Guimaras reverts to strict border control as COVID-19 cases surge

The province of Guimaras again tightened border controls as the island recorded a surge in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Governor Samuel T. Gumarin issued Executive Order No. 23, series of 2021 adopting additional measures to arrest the spread of COVID-19.

The increase in cases is alarming and local transmission of the virus should be stopped before it gets out of control, Gumarin said.

He added that the province’s healthcare system will be overwhelmed as Guimaras has limited quarantine facilities and medical personnel if COVID-19 cases in the island continue to rise.

“Padayon nga nagasaka ang (COVID-19) cases naton diri sa Guimaras. We have to act fast para indi na ini madugangan pa. Additional measures are needed para makontrol ang transmission sang virus diri sa probinsiya or else, our health care system will suffer. Limitado ang aton kapasidad that is why as early as we can, we have to stop the spread of this virus,” Gumarin said.

Under Executive Order No. 23, only essential inbound/outbound travels are allowed such as transport of basic commodities and necessities, emergency cases, medical follow up and exercise of profession.

Individuals who are positive for COVID-19 and show symptoms referable to the disease shall be denied entry into the province.

Returning or visiting persons coming from outside Western Visayas shall present a negative RT-PCR result.

Jordan Wharf, Buenavista Wharf, Ro-Ro Wharf in Hoskyn, Jordan are the only port of entries to the province.

Meanwhile, Sebaste Wharf in the Municipality of Sibunag, Puyo Wharf in Nueva Valencia and Tacay Wharf in Buenavista town shall be opened for trading/cargo purposes only.

Business establishments except for hospital and funeral parlors are only allowed to operate from 5 a.m. until 4 p.m. only.

Sea vessels plying the Guimaras-Iloilo route, vice versa shall operate from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Public utility vehicles can operate from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m. only.

Mass gatherings for whatever purpose are strictly prohibited. Dine-in services at food establishments in the province are likewise suspended.

As of May 28, 2021 the Province of Guimaras has recorded a total of 535 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (75 active cases, 452 recoveries and 8 deaths).