By Jhon Ablat BATANES – The provincial government has imposed travel on tourists and non-residents and employees of the island as precautionary against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threat. In the released advisory of the Provincial Information Desk, it said that Acting Governor Ignacio C. Villa has issued Executive Order no. 16, imposing the travel ban that will be effective from March 16 until April 16. Under this measure, all tourists and persons, who are not based in the province for residence and employment, will be prohibited to enter the island. While persons, upon the determination of the provincial Heath Officer, with official business in Batanes fulfilling his lawful obligation or addressing an urgent issue of national interest will be exempted with this restrictions. Moreover, local residents of Batanes will be allowed entry provided that they will present government-issued identification cards or documents stating their residence or employment within the province and will be subject to the latest quarantine procedures and other health protocols issued by the Department of Health (DOH). The authorities added that this procedure of isolation will not be lifted until the declaration for public health emergency has been terminated by the national government. On the other hand, the local government discourages local senior citizens, pregnant women, sick persons not needing urgent care or immediate referral and persons with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and the like to travel to the mainland Luzon. The authority also reminded the public to not panic, and to observed proper hygiene and coughing etiquette and to boost their immune system to fight the possible threat of COVID-19. They also prompted the community to avoid sharing fake information regarding the said issue.