Negative results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests taken within seven days are now required for travelers who will enter Bislig City in Surigao del Sur from areas with cases of the Delta variant of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Mayor Florencio Garay’s Executive Order (EO) No. 45-2021 issued on Monday took effect Wednesday and shall remain in force unless sooner revoked or amended.
The requirement for the negative RT-PCR result covers locally stranded individuals (LSIs), returning overseas Filipino workers (ROFs), those accessing essential goods and services in the city, and people with medical concerns.
Those who will enter the city from areas without cases of Delta variant will only be required to present valid identification cards and letters of acceptance from the local government unit for LSIs and ROFs.
All authorized persons outside of residence or APOR will only be required to present travel orders and valid IDs.
“Last Sept. 9, 2021, the Local Inter-Agency Task Force of Bislig City conducted an emergency meeting and unanimously proposed stricter health guidelines and protocols,” Garay said.
Persons below 18 years old and above 60 years old, including those with immunodeficiency and pregnant women, are not allowed to go out except for essential purposes while gathering in residences for occasions such as fiesta, birthdays, and baptism celebrations shall be prohibited.
The new order also mandates a 30-percent venue capacity during religious gatherings and 50 persons for wedding ceremonies.
“Wakes, inurnment and funerals for those who died of causes other than Covid-19 shall be allowed for three nights with a maximum of 20 persons or 30 percent of the venue capacity, whichever is lesser as long as minimum health protocol is observed,” the EO said.
Meanwhile, a city-wide curfew and liquor ban shall be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the effectivity period of the order.
Amusement, leisure, gaming and gambling places shall also be temporarily closed while hotels and accommodation establishments with valid accreditation from the Department of Tourism shall be allowed to accommodate guests and clients for legitimate purposes.
All beaches and inland resorts in Bislig City shall be temporarily closed including government-operated tourist attractions.
“Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall be fully operational and shall operate at a minimum of thirty percent up to full on-site capacity as determined by the head of the agency, in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission,” the EO read.
As of Tuesday, Bislig City has 1,598 total Covid-19 cases with 1,333 recoveries, 177 remaining active cases, and 88 deaths. (PNA)