By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Travelers from Panay Island are now required to present a negative RT-PCR test upon entering Bacolod City, after Mayor Evelio Leonardia introduced new travel guidelines over the weekend.

Based on Leonardia’s new executive order, leisure travel between Panay Island and Bacolod City is temporarily not allowed.

The movement of all types of goods and cargoes including their personnel and delivery vehicles between Panay Island and Bacolod, however, shall remain unhampered.

Travelers from Panay Island including authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) may be allowed to enter the city, provided they produce a negative RT-PCR test at least 72 hours prior to arrival in Bacolod City.

Travelers are also required to present an online health declaration, BacTrac registration, S-PaSS travel coordination permit, and a valid personal ID.

Meanwhile, those exempted from the rule are APORs classified employees of national government agencies such as the Department of Tourism, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Trade Industry, Department of Agriculture, and so on.

Also included in the executive order is the extension of the general community quarantine with heightened restrictions status which would last until August 15./DGB, WDJ