By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has issued yesterday an executive order tightening entry for residents originating from the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

Based on Garcia’s Executive Order, out of the 128 provinces or cities reflected in the ranking of local government units with active COVID-19 cases, Negros Oriental ranked number two.

Negros Occidental, meanwhile, was also included to their new travel restrictions due to its contiguity with Negros Oriental.

Garcia stated that all travelers coming in from Negros will be required to present a negative RT-PCR test result taken at least 72 hours prior to departure from their place of origin; or a negative rapid antigen test result taken at least 48 hours before departure from their place of origin.

She also stated the Department of Health will be responsible for conducting rapid antigen test in all ports of origin upon all persons traveling to Cebu province who do not possess either of the above results.

The Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard, meanwhile, are ordered to assist the Department of Health in screening travelers.

The executive order will came in to effect 12:01 a.m. today and will last until July 24, 2021 unless further extended./DGB, WDJ