Negros Occ open to resume leisure travel but…

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said the provincial government is considering the resumption of leisure travel but with conditions to ensure the “safety bubble” of the province.

Diaz said they are planning to talk with local airline companies to resume regular passenger flights.

He also said that a similar plan for ferry operators plying routes to Negros Occidental is being considered.

One of the conditions is for regular flights or sea trips to only accept vaccinated individuals.

Upon arrival in the province, leisure travelers will still be required to undergo RT-PCR testing and undergo isolation at a quarantine hotel.

The province already has two molecular laboratories and the results will be released within 24 hours.

If the traveler is negative for COVID-19, he or she will be allowed to roam around the province, while those who test positive will be transferred to a proper quarantine facility.

The proposal is also becoming more feasible especially as the National Inter-Agency Task Force plans to roll-out the digital vaccination ID, which would enable lesser restrictions for travelers who are already fully vaccinated, Diaz said.

“Subong pa lang gani, may talks na kami na maka accommodate sang ‘vaccinated flights’ ” Diaz said.

He said it is also being proposed to have cheaper flight fares for fully vaccinated persons.

“The risk level is not high for those who have been vaccinated but of course ara gyapon ang risk,” Diaz said.

He further said that even though vaccinated, people should also remain cautious.

That is the reason “why they still need to enforce the RT-PCR test policy for travelers,” Diaz further said.