This Week in Cebu and Bohol (January 9 to January 15, 2022)

Cebu City heightens its borders for people from areas in the country under Alert Level 3 entering the city because of the alarming threat of the newly mutating Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama declared such an announcement on Monday, also following the statement of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on the lifting of the entry ban of returning overseas non-Cebuanos and overseas Filipino workers to Cebu, which took effect last January 4. [1]

Rama said that the city government is expected to be very strict regarding the entry of individuals into the city as per recent developments and quarantine policies, especially in Metro Manila, now under Alert Level 3. The mayor is keen on imposing travel and border regulations, implementing health protocols, and necessary measures to address the heightening threat of the Omicron variant, especially with several active cases officially confirmed in the country.

Emergency Operations Center Deputy Chief and City Councilor Joel Garganera is with this implementation on heightened border control as the government continually devises actions to protect the Cebuanos.

Upcoming policies and strict restrictions must be developed further and effectively implemented in the city. Rama said that the Cebu City Hall’s Public Information Office would have more orientations and announcements about health protocol information, education, and communication campaigns. [2] The mayor also urges Cebu residents to get vaccinated to prevent severe and ill effects of the disease or any virus transmission.

Travel regulations are developed for the returning overseas Filipinos (ROF) and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound to Cebu as Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia lifts the order of entry ban of the individuals mentioned earlier. All ROFs and OFWs are now allowed travel entry since January 4, as long as they comply with the mandatory 5-day quarantine. [3]

As for the latest Cebu and Bohol travel requirements, with both areas being placed under Alert Level 2 until January 15, travel requirements and guidelines have also been updated.

All individuals are permitted to travel within, to, and from the Province of Cebu, Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City. In Cebu Province, interzonal travel within the entire island is allowed. Fully vaccinated individuals are required to present a valid ID and a vaccination card or vaccination certificate. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals need a valid ID and a medical certificate issued within 24 hours.

In Cebu City, fully vaccinated individuals must have a valid photo ID with signature and a vaccination card with a QR code or a vaccination certificate. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals must present a valid photo ID with a signature. Also, they must submit a negative RT-PCR test result from any DOH-accredited laboratories taken within 72 hours or a negative antigen, or saliva test result issued by any DOH accredited laboratories taken within 48 hours.

In Lapu-Lapu City or Mactan, inbound travelers need to present a valid ID only.

For travelers in Mandaue City, the fully vaccinated shall present a valid ID and a vaccination card or a vaccination certificate. As for the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated, a valid ID, a negative RT-PCR test result from any DOH-accredited laboratories taken within 72 hours, or a negative antigen or saliva test result issued by any DOH accredited laboratories taken within 48 hours are the travel requirements needed. [4]

As for Tagbilaran, Bohol, travel requirements for fully vaccinated individuals are a valid government-issued ID, vaccination card, and an approved or pending S-PaSS. Travelers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated are to present a valid ID, a negative RT-PCR test result from any DOH-accredited laboratories taken within seventy-two (72) hours, and an approved S-PaSS. Fully vaccinated parents or guardians should accompany children aged 11 and below, and they are no longer required to undergo an RT-PCR test. [5]

To date, a newfound sign of the Omicron variant has been scientifically founded—night sweats. It is considered a distinct symptom that distinguishes Omicron from other coronavirus variants. [6]

The highly transmissible, new Omicron variant is starting to penetrate the country. The strain of coronavirus is still invisibly attacking. Everyone might be prepared to fight the virus as they equip their bodies to help fight the severe effects of the said virus. One of the primary defenses in battling the attack of the Omicron is to boost immunity by getting vaccinated and further boosting the immune system. Being uncomplacent is prepping the body with a proper diet, healthy lifestyle, exercise, and sleep. Adhering to the health protocols campaigned by the government and health sectors should also be observed and taken responsibly.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Cebu and Bohol!