NEW NORMAL: Guimaras eases restrictions for economy’s sake

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

 

The province of Guimaras eased restrictions on the entry of residents and non-residents to gradually reopen its economy, particularly the tourism sector.

The new policies are stipulated in Executive Order No. 70 which Gov. Samuel Gumarin issued on Oct 14, 2020 and took effect the following day.

It amended EO No. 69 which set strict protocols on residents and non-residents who travel to and from the island province in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Under EO 69, only persons who deliver basic goods or on emergency errands can travel to and from the island. But EO 70 now allows visitors who want to go to tourist spots in the province.

EO 70 mandates that persons who want to enter the island must not exhibit COVID-19 symptoms nor are they suspect, probable, or confirmed cases.

A person who is a suspected, probable or confirmed COVID case must present a certification from health authorities indicating that they have recovered.

Inbound and outbound passes and health declaration cards are still required of persons who want to enter or leave the island for surveillance purposes. The documents are mandated by Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-04.

Separate policies will be imposed on travelers from outside Western Visayas like the mandatory quarantine.

The restrictions on land transportation was also lifted while business establishments can operate until 8 pm at 50 percent capacity to maintain physical distancing.

While serving of alcoholic drinks is allowed in restaurants and similar establishments, drinking in public places like roadsides is still prohibited.

Pump boats will be allowed to travel until 7 pm.

The 10 pm to 5 am curfew for minors is still in effect.

Vice Governor John Edward Gando said easing the restrictions is meant to balance the economy and public health.

But Gando reminded the public to continue following minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks and physical distancing.

 

RAPID TEST

EO 70 also stipulates policies on the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) or anti-body test as a surveillance tool starting November 2020.

The RDT will be limited to some groups such as persons who undergo chemotherapy and dialysis on a regular basis outside Guimaras.

Gando said they are still studying some aspects such as the prevalence of COVID-19 among commuters and some population groups, particularly patients who go to hospitals outside the island province.

If the province gets the desired baseline data, the use of RDT might be suspended. But if the desired number of respondents is not reached, it could be extended to December 2020.

The RDT will also be required of travelers who will stay in the island for more than two days.

The test is free for residents and non-residents who work in the province. The provincial government is still studying the proposal to charge fees on tourists who undergo RDT.

As of Oct 19, Guimaras has logged 159 cases with 10 active cases, 148 recoveries, and 1 death.