DAVAO CTIY, Philippines – Davao Region is preparing to open its borders to allow people to travel in as part of relaxing quarantine protocol, as local governments are preparing health screening measures on entry points.
This was revealed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who also heads the Inter-Agency Task Force Davao Region on handling the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, during her program at the Davao City Disaster Radio on Saturday.
Duterte explained that the decision is guided by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Omnibus Guidelines released on May 15 allowing the movement of persons across areas placed under GCQ and MGCQ for any purpose other than leisure.
“Our war against COVID-19 will come to a point that travel of people is open including leisure. We will not be in quarantine all the time. That is the purpose why local government units should use ECQ and GCQ to prepare for health screening in entry points, surveillance in communities and contact tracing,” the mayor said.
Local chief executives in Davao Region are asking for time to set-up their health screening in entry points before opening its borders to people travelling outside their respective areas.
Davao City has already implemented its health screening to all incoming persons upon arrival at the ground checkpoints, seaport and airport. Results of the screening will determine if a person goes to the Southern Philippines Medical Center for RT-PCR testing or undergo a 14 day mandatory home quarantine.
The Land Transportation and Franchising Board Region 11 has open various routes in the provinces of Davao region for the operation of public transportation under the general community quarantine.
Duterte-Carpio warned that more coronavirus cases is expected as the city has shifted to general community quarantine since May 16. (davaotoday.com)
