By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Oriental provincial government has lifted some of their travel restrictions based on the uniform protocols introduced by the National Inter-Agency Task Force (NIATF).

Based on the executive order signed by Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo last Thursday, he has officially adopted the protocols under the NIATF’s Resolution No. 101.

Under the uniform travel protocols, Negros Oriental will no longer require travelers to go on quarantine unless they exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.

Travel and health documents will also be no longer necessary, although strict health screening will be implemented in all entry points to the province.

But the provincial government will still require a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test which can be taken 72 hours prior to travel.

Travelers who fail to secure an RT-PCR test will be swabbed upon arrival and placed at a holding facility while awaiting for the results.

Minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks, face shields, hand sanitizing, and physical distancing will also be enforced./DGB, WDJ