“Stringent Measure To Avert The Spread Of Covid-19” Effective May 3, 2021 To May 31, 2021

Zamboanga del Sur – Governor Victor J. Yu just signed today, May 2, 2021, Executive Order No. 2021-13. It will be effective starting tomorrow, May 3, 2021 – May 31, 2021

Highlights:

SECTION 2: MOVEMENT OF PERSONS

Any person below fifteen (15) years old, those who are over sixty-five (65) years of age and above, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women shall be required to remain in their residences at all times except those that are for essential purpose or as allowed by IATF.

All NON APORs coming from LGUs placed in MECQ and ECQ are required to present Negative RT-PCR result in addition to TCP or TPP requirement.

If the traveler from ECQ/MECQ area arrived without the requisite negative RT-PCR test or expired negative RT PCR test result, the LGU concerned may subject the traveler to a mandatory quarantine or isolation.

SECTION 4: QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT – No longer required except:

when a traveler, upon health assessment, demonstrate symptoms of COVID-19 and/or tested positive in rapid antigen test, the traveler shall be quarantined pending release of a negative RT-PCR test result.

when a traveler from ECQ/MECQ areas arrived without the requisite negative RT-PCR test or expired negative RT-PCR result, the LGU concerned may subject the traveller to a mandatory quarantine or isolation.

SECTION 6: MANDATORY HOME QUARANTINE

After RT-PCR testing —> mandatory home quarantine while waiting the result thereof

If the RT-PCR yields a negative result, said individual may return home or report back to his office/business immediately the following day.

if the result is positive, said person must undergo a minimum of 14-day in isolation at the concerned Community Isolation Unit/Temporary Treatment Monitoring Facility.

The said patient shall thereafter undergo mandatory seven-day (7) home quarantine.

Direct contact of confirmed COVID-19 cases who are SYMPTOMATIC are required to undergo immediate RT-PCR testing and mandatory home quarantine pending the result thereof.

Direct contact of confirmed COVID-19 cases who are ASYMPTOMATIC shall undergo RT-PCR testing on the 5th day.

Admitted patients shall undergo seven-day home quarantine upon discharge.

SECTION 7: BORDER CONTROL CHECKPOINTS

LGUs where border checkpoints are located are mandated to strictly implement the SPASS requirement at the Quarantine Checkpoint within their jurisdiction through their local SPASS team.

SECTION 8: OBSERVANCE OF STRICT HEALTH STANDARDS

All minimum public health standards imposed by the province and other IATF issuances shall be strictly observed, incorporated and enforced in all public places, government and private establishments, offices, shops, businesses or stores, religious venues and terminals.

SECTION 9: PROVINCE-WIDE LIQUOR BAN

Total liquor ban shall be imposed in the entire province of Zamboanga del Sur. As such, the selling, distribution and consumption of liquor and alcoholic beverages in the entire province is strictly prohibited.

SECTION 10: MASS GATHERINGS

Mass gatherings (such as but not limited to BUSINESS-RELATED, WORK-RELATED, RELIGIOUS, COMMUNITY ASSEMBLES, TOURS, CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, and OTHER SIMILAR ASSEMBLIES) are allowed up to 30% of its venue/seating capacity with strict observance of health and safety protocols

Only indoor and outdoor NON-CONTACT sports are ALLOWED. Non-contact sports refer to a sport or activity in which participants are physically separated throughout its duration, thus minimizing the possibility of making any form of purposeful or accidental physical contact. Provided that, where applicable, the minimum public health standards such as but not limited to wearing of mask, maintenance of social distancing and no sharing of equipment, is observed.

SECTION 11: ESTABLISHMENTS ALLOWED TO OPERATE

The following establishments shall be allowed to operate on limited capacity as follow:

1. Only hotels or accommodation establishment (including its ancillary establishment) with valid DOT accreditation shall be allowed to operate with strict observance to health and safety protocols
2. Dine-in services of food retail establishment, including carenderias and food stands, shall be allowed to operate up to 30% of its venue/seating capacity with strict observance of health safety protocols

Business establishments allowed to operate are enjoined to place social distancing markers; separate entrance and exit points and other markers to observe social and physical distancing at all times.

SECTION 12: ESTABLISHMENTS PROHIBITED TO OPERATE

The following establishments shall not be permitted to operate pursuant to the Amended Omnibus Guidelines Specifically Section 5.5 thereof:

1. Entertainment venues such as karaoke bars, bars, clubs, concert halls and theatres;
2. Fairs/Peryas, kid amusement industries such as playground, playroom and kiddie rides;
3. Beach, resorts and similar establishments; and
4. Cockfighting and operation of cockpits, except for the sole purpose of conducting ee-sabong licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

SECTION 13: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation shall comply with the standards set forth by the DOTR such as reduced capacity, use of face mask and face shield.  Plastic/Cellophane covering must also be place between passengers and drivers.  Passenger Motorcycles shall carry only maximum of 2 passengers.  Back rider of single motorcycle shall be limited only to those members of the same household or limited to family member.

(Source: Zamboanga del Sur Press Bureau, photos courtesy by BM Dang Mariano)