By Rey Anthony Chiu | 07:35 PM January 08, 2022
Regardless of the seemingly confusing and conflicting policies adopted for inter-zonal and intra-zonal travels in areas with Alert Level declarations, the rule here still remains the same.
Homing Boholanos and those entering Bohol would only be required to present their vaccination certificate and vaccination cards if they are fully vaccinated, and they can get in.
For individuals who are partially vaccinated or those who have not been given the vaccines to protect them for coronavirus disease, they would need to undergo a swab test and the samples subjected to a Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assay, 72 hours before they board the vessels to Bohol to be allowed entry.
Moreover, kids 11 years old and below are still exempted from the RT PCR requirement, as long as they travel accompanied by their parents or guardian. Since Bohol opened its borders.
With this, even the S-Pass regulation is now suspended as has been.
This as Bohol Governor Arthur Yap issued Executive Order No. 1, series of 2022, which extended the effectivity of Executive Order No. 52-A series of 2021 as amended by Executive Order No, 52-B, series of 2021, EO No. 52-C and EO 52-D, all series of 2021, which also prescribes less stringent travel requirements to Bohol.
The extension runs until February 28, 2022.
It may be recalled that the national Inter Agency Task Force on the management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (NIATF) through Resolution No. 154-D series of 2021 placed Bohol along with many provinces under Alert Level 2, until January 15. 2022.
The governor believes that maintaining the current relaxed travel requirement to Bohol can help fast track the recovery and rehabilitation efforts of Bohol after typhoon Odette left in her wake, swatches of destruction and devastation.
The new Executive Order, helped clarify and define Bohol’s inbound travel policy even as health authorities have reverted Metro Manila and 13 other cities and provinces to Alert level 3, due to a monitored uptick in Covid-19 cases, right after the holidays.
While the Resolution defining travel protocols for Alert Level 3 areas, mayors from Metro Manila Council reportedly signed a resolution which banned domestic non essential travel by sea, air or land of unvaccinated people, minors, pregnant women and persons with comorbidities and senior citizens.
The DOTr has also reportedly supported the MMC move. This is despite the no restrictions for inter and intra-zonal travel, and simply allowing the destination local government units lay down their acceptance protocols.
Inter and Intrazonal travel will be allowed to and from Manila, subject to LGU restrictions and regulations, as to the NIATF Alert Level guidelines. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
