The local government of Bohol has lifted the suspension on air and sea travel for non-authorized authorized persons outside residence (APORs) bound to the province effective today, Sept. 1.
Bohol Governor Arthur Yap signed Executive Order No. 42 which lifts the border closure of Bohol for non-APORs including returning residents and tourists, subject to health and safety protocols.
Among the requirements set by the local government unit (LGU) include a negative result of a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test conducted within 72 hours before arrival.
Arriving non-APORs are also required to undergo quarantine in government-approved public or privately owned quarantine facilities for five days.
"Privately-owned quarantine facilities should be a Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited accommodation establishment or any private facility/house/home with separate rooms and Toilet Bath facility," the order said.
"On the fifth day of quarantine period, he/ she shall undergo a repeat RT-PCR Test. If the result is negative, he/she shall be released, otherwise, if the result is positive, he/ she shall continue his/ her quarantine and may be allowed to go home only after succeeding tests yield a negative result," it added.
Meanwhile, the Bohol LGU noted that testing and quarantine protocols for APORs, as well as strict enforcement of border control in all ports of entry, shall continue to be in effect and strictly enforced.
Bohol was among the many tourist destinations in the country that imposed a suspension on domestic air and sea travel for two weeks last August 6 to further prevent the spread of the more transmissible and contagious Delta variant of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The ban was extended for another week due to rising COVID-19 cases in the province.
As of September 1, Bohol logged a total of 1,858 active cases and 280 deaths.