The provincial government of Cebu will soon implement a shortened quarantine period of five days for fully vaccinated returning overseas Filipinos.
The quarantine adjustment is in line with the local government’s move to give incentives to vaccinated individuals. An executive order has yet to be issued for its implementation.
Returning Filipinos will still undergo swab testing upon their arrival and will be retested after five days. They will be allowed to go home following a negative result of their second test.
“Fully vaccinated persons are tested on the fifth day. If they are tested early in the morning, the result can come out on the same day… Let us make the vaccination program an incentivized program,” Gov. Gwen Garcia said.
Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) guidelines require seven days of facility-based quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers from green countries.
Garcia also ordered all provincial employees to wear personal air purifiers. She earlier required public transportation drivers and conductors to wear the equipment.
“All employees of the establishment are required to wear face masks and personal air purifiers at all times. I am speaking here of those that are air conditioned, have no ventilation,” she said.
The Department of Health (DOH) does not recommend the use of the device as protection against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, more establishments have been allowed to reopen in the province. However, entertainment and recreational venues with live performers are not yet allowed.
Below are the highlights of the new provincial guidelines:
- Restaurants and other dine-in food establishments may operate at 50% venue capacity, while al fresco dining outlets will be allowed at 100% capacity.
- Establishments offering personal care services, such as salons, and spas, are also allowed to operate, but only at 50% capacity.
- All establishments are allowed to operate at 50% capacity.
- Entertainment venues with live performers such as karaoke, bars, and cinemas, and recreational venues, such as internet cafes and billiard halls, are not allowed to operate.
- Curfew is imposed from 11:00 p.m. to 4: a.m. in the entire province. – Report from John Aroa (PTV Cebu)/AG-rir
