Provinces tighten COVID-19 restrictions for holidays

Several provincial governments have tightened coronavirus-related restrictions for the holiday season in a bid to combat a surge in infections.

According to John Consulta’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday, travelers headed for Pampanga will need to present a negative swab or antigen test to barangay or municipal authorities.

Barangay officials have already set up checkpoints to monitor people entering the province.

The restrictions will take effect 12:01 a.m. of December 25 and last until December 27.

Once the three-day period ends, the provincial government will once again issue an update on restrictions.

Pampanga is currently under modified general community quarantine, the most relaxed quarantine classification.

In Bataan, restrictions will be tightened from December 24 until January 6.

“Holiday travelers” will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Holiday travelers refer to residents who celebrated Christmas outside Bataan, or non-Bataan residents who wish to celebrate the holidays in the province.

Bataan residents who work outside the province will not need to undergo quarantine.

In Bulacan, authorities are also strictly enforcing the wearing of face masks and shields.

Experts earlier said the holiday surge of COVID-19 cases had already started in Metro Manila. 

The Philippines has tallied over 465,000 infections as of Thursday afternoon. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News