Iloilo City scraps swab test, quarantine for inbound travelers anew

Iloilo City has eased travel restrictions for inbound travelers anew amid the decline in COVID-19 cases in the metro.

Mayor Jerry Treñas issued an executive order (E.O.) No. 015 on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 lifting the swab test upon arrival requirement and quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers.

“Fully vaccinated individuals arriving in Iloilo City are no longer mandated to submit themselves to RT-PCR testing upon arrival and will also not be required to undergo quarantine,” the new E.O. said.

However, fully vaccinated individuals must immediately isolate themselves once symptoms associated with COVID-19 develop and they shall submit themselves to RT-PCR testing conducted by the Uswag Laboratory.

For returning Overseas Filipino Workers (ROFs) who are fully vaccinated, they can present vaccination card or document issued by competent foreign authorities proving that they are fully vaccinated; Certificate of Residency issued by the barangay where the individual resides, Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) certificate/health pass and an approved S-Pass travel permit.

Fully vaccinated authorized persons outside residence (APORs) will have to secure and present valid professional identification card, confirmed travel itinerary issued by carrier, vaccination card or any document proving that they are fully vaccinated, certificate of residency issued by the barangay for resident APOR, proof of confirmed booking with hotel/and other accommodations for non-resident APOR and approved S-Pass travel permit.

Non-essential travelers and tourists who are fully vaccinated may only present vaccination card or vaccine certificate from the city, municipal, or provincial health offices, valid government-issued ID, confirmed travel itinerary issued by carrier, proof of confirmed booking with hotel, and an approved S-Pass travel permit.

On the other hand, the E.O. requires partially and unvaccinated individuals to undergo quarantine upon arrival in Iloilo City at the city’s designated quarantine facilities or they can opt for home quarantine provided they pass the assessment of local health authorities.

“On the third day of their quarantine, they shall undergo RT-PCR testing at the covered gym in La Paz plaza without cost,” the E.O. said. They will be released from the quarantine only when they have secured a negative RT-PCR test.

Interzonal and intrazonal travel within Western Visayas will be allowed subject to the restrictions on movement of vulnerable sectors.

Moreover, the city government strictly discouraged non-essential travel to Iloilo City.

Individuals traveling to Iloilo City who develop signs and symptoms associated with Covid-19 and its variants of concern are advised to submit themselves to RT-PCR testing at the Uswag Laboratory for free. (DG)