Starting on Jan. 9, travelers from areas under Alert Level 3, whether vaccinated or not, will be required to present a negative RT-PCR result not later than 72 hours prior to the approval of their S-PaSS application, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said Jan. 6.
Lacson said the new requirement is a mitigating measure amid the fast spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19, adding, “It has been said that even fully vaccinated persons could still be infected.”
Negros Island, including the highly-urbanized Bacolod City and all other areas in Western Visayas, and most towns and cities of the Philippines are still on Alert Level 2.
The National Capital Region, Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal are on Alert Level 3 until Jan. 15.
Lacson, however, said there is no need yet to close borders with Negros Oriental, as of this time. “We will decide again if cases will increase,” he added.
Lacson said he noticed a low double-digit increase in the number of COVID cases at 12 infections, as of yesterday. The COVID-19 cases in the province stood at 178 on Jan. 5.
He said he cannot confirm yet if the increase has something to do with the Omicron variant.
The active cases in Bacolod doubled from 16 to 34 Wednesday night, Em Legaspi-Ang, executive director of the Emergency Operations Center, said.
Dr. Rosalie Deocampo, EOC contact tracing cluster head, said that those infected have a travel history, or had attended holiday gatherings.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia renewed his reminders to Bacolodnons that the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, and that they should observe minimum health protocols to control the transmission of the deadly virus.
“Getting vaccinated certainly protects us but we have to be reminded to wear face mask, avoid crowded places, and observe social distancing at all times,” Leonardia said. — GB
