A member of an independent research team has expressed caution over the easing of travel restrictions in a bid to prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from further spreading across the country.
Dr. Guido David of the OCTA Research Group said the new unified travel requirements, which removed the mandatory testing and the need to undergo quarantine for travelers, must be reevaluated.
“We have to be careful with regards to our border controls because most areas sometimes experience a surge in cases because we are not very strict with our border controls,” David said in a press briefing Saturday, Feb. 27.
“I hope they would evaluate the measures. I mean, it's not bad to travel but let's just be strict about our controls so that we don't spread the virus all over the country,” he added.
Under the new travel guidelines, testing will not be mandatory for travelers, unless the LGU of destination will require it before travel.
Travelers will also no longer be required to undergo quarantine unless they exhibit symptoms upon arrival at the place of destination.
Health certificate will also not be required, as well as travel authority issued by Joint Task Force COVID.
David said the new measures on domestic travel “is a bit concerning” as some areas are now “doing very well,” particularly the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo, while other areas are still “not doing well” with regards to their number of cases.
The OCTA Research Group said in its latest report that there remains to be indications of a continuous rising trend in the number of new cases in Metro Manila.
Last week, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia announced that domestic travelers will no longer be required to undergo COVID-19 testing when visiting Cebu province, in a bid to ease travel and revive local tourism.