Travelers need to present RT-PCR test 72 hours before coming to Neg. Occ.

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that travelers will be required to present a negative RT-PCR tests result at least 72 hours prior to their arrival in the province.

Lacson said this will be included in the executive order he will issue after a zoom meeting with local chief executives of the province.

Lacson also said he will also ask all mayors to implement Resolution No. 101 of the National Inter Agency Task Force which provides a uniform travel protocol among LGUs starting March 15.

Under the revised protocols, travel authority and medical certificates are no longer required for travelers.

The resolution also states that travelers are no longer required to undergo quarantine unless they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival at their destination.

COVID-19 testing is also not mandatory, unless the concerned LGU makes it a requirement.

The governor also said that swab testing at the Bacolod Silay-Airport for arriving travelers is available for those who want to be tested again.

“For those who want to be quarantined, we will still offer them a quarantine area. This is purely voluntary. We cannot do otherwise,” Lacson said.

Lacson noted that majority of Locally Stranded Individuals infected by the virus are from Manila and Cebu.

He also said that it is okay with him if travelers do not have the negative RT-PCR test result but want to be swabbed at the airport.

The governor further said he will request the airlines not to allow passengers to board the plane if they do not have the negative RT-PCR results.

At present, the provincial government of Negros Occidental pays for the RT-PCR tests of arriving travelers.