TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Tacloban and Catbalogan have required real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or antigen test for travelers from the National Capital Region (NCR) Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez stressed the need to undergo swab testing for COVID-19 in order to closely monitor those coming from NCR and high-risk areas and prepare for a possible surge of cases in the city.
"We need to closely monitor those who are coming in…We don't want to be an additional burden to the national government. I'm urging Taclobanons. Let us not wait for a lockdown. We can do this together," he said.
Under the new entry protocols for travelers, tourists coming from high-risk regions are required to submit a negative RT-PCR test result within three days before their entry. The counting of days will start from the swab and test date and not from the result release date.
Travelers may send their RT-PCR result together with the required documents at www.baliktacloban.tacloban.gov.ph or call their hotline for concerns.
Other documentary requirements are office or company ID and official travel order with itinerary in the city or any equivalent document for authorized persons outside of residence (APOR) whether government or private workers; government-issued ID (for infants and children without valid ID: Certificate of Live Birth) for returning residents; government-issued ID and Bureau of Quarantine Certification in case of Returning Overseas Filipino; and government-issued ID for transients or visitors.
An acceptance certificate with an imprinted Tacloban City Scan QR Code shall be issued to the registered traveler and shall be presented to the referral booths upon arrival within two working days from the submission of the complete requirements.
On the other hand, non-Tacloban residents do not need to submit or apply.
Catbalogan City, Samar Mayor Dexter Uy has issued an executive order effective April 5 requiring all returning residents who will stay in the city for more than five days to undergo antigen testing in the City Health Office (CHO) on their fifth day.
While waiting, they will be ordered to stay at home and limit their contact with other people. They also need to register with their respective barangays for monitoring within seven to 14 days.
He added that those who will be staying in the city for less than five days need to undergo antigen testing upon arrival. If they test positive, they will be subjected to RT-PCR testing.
Arteche, Eastern Samar Mayor Roland Boie Evardone has likewise required RT-PCR test results for travelers from outside Region 8.