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Bacolod requires travelers RAT results prior to arrival

Bacolod DRRM photo

Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued an executive order Monday, January 31, extending the Alert Level 3 status of Bacolod City until February 15, which requires inbound passengers to present negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) results prior to arrival.

Leonardia, in Executive Order No. 7 Series of 2022, did not say that the city government would provide free tests for incoming passengers.

The EO’s travel guidelines state that inbound passengers from areas outside Region 6 and Negros Oriental arriving at the Bacolod Silay Airport and seaports must present a non-reactive RAT result, instead of a negative RT-PCR laboratory test result, prior to arrival.

The RAT must be conducted by a laboratory duly-accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), and must be done within 48 hours from swab sample extraction up to arrival at seaports or the Bacolod-Silay Airport.

Should the traveler opt for an RT-PCR laboratory test it must be undertaken by any laboratory duly-accredited by the DOH within 72 hours from swab sample extraction up to arrival, the EO added.

The Bacolod LGU may, however, randomly subject some travelers bound for Bacolod on their arrival at Bacolod seaports or airport to the RAT (free-of-charge) to ensure the authenticity of the previously-undertaken RAT and for the purpose of assuring the safety of the general public, it added.

The traveler will also be required to present a valid ID, must pass a symptom screening at the port of entry, and must strictly comply with the existing minimum public health standards, the EO said.

All government officials/public sector personnel on official business shall be allowed unimpeded travel into Bacolod City, the EO added.

The EO also states that those below 18 years of age, and those belonging to the vulnerable population, shall be allowed access to obtain essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices in accordance with existing labor laws, rules, and regulations.

Individual outdoor exercises shall also be allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status.

The following establishments and/or activities characterized as high-risk for transmission shall not be allowed to operate, or be undertaken:

*Face to face or in-person classes for basic education, except those previously approved by the IATF and/or the Office of the President;

*Contact sports, except those conducted under a bubble-type setup as provided for under relevant guidelines adopted by the IATF, Games and Amusement Board, and Philippine Sports Commission, and approved by the city government;

*Funfairs/peryas and kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides;

*Venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters;

*Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments except as may be authorized by the IATF or the Office of the President; and

*Gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household.

Other establishments, or activities, shall be allowed to operate or be undertaken at a maximum of 30 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and 50 percent outdoor venue capacity.

Curfew hours will remain from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., and the selling and/or consumption of alcoholic drinks in authorized public places will be allowed only from noon to 10 p.m., the EO said.*

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