Negative RT-PCR test required for all travelers

Local chief executives (LCEs) in Western Visayas (Aklan, Antique, Bacolod City, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo City, Iloilo province, and Negros Occidental) agreed to require negative RT-PCR tests from all travelers to Region 6 (whether returning residents, returning overseas Filipinos, or Authorized Persons Outside of Residence or APOR) at least 72 hours or three days before their scheduled arrival.

The decision was reached after an online meeting of the LCEs Friday with DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing present.

The protocol takes effect until April 10 unless sooner revoked by the local government units if the situation warrants.

Effectivity is upon signing of the respective LCEs’ executive orders with the national interagency task force issuing a resolution supporting the move, according to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas.

The uniform rule is in keeping with NIATF Resolution 101 which sets uniform travel rules and to stave off the spread of COVID-19 following the surge in Metro Manila, parts of Luzon, and Cebu.

As of Friday, the Department of Health reported that Western Visayas has logged 26,344 cases after adding 198 confirmed cases.

The report also indicated that 1,403 cases remain active, 24,169 recoveries, and 766 deaths.