Zambales eases travel restrictions for vaccinated residents

The provincial government of Zambales eased travel restrictions on vaccinated residents after it no longer required COVID-19 testing of vaccinated individuals.

Based on Memorandum Circular No. 2022-04 dated January 21, all residents and non-residents must only present an authentic vaccination card upon entry to the province.

However, those individuals exhibiting symptoms, even if fully vaccinated, were required to undergo antigen tests at the border before entry.

“Those who are unvaccinated but on official government business or returning residents shall be administered with Janssen vaccine at the border. If the traveler declines to get the vaccine, entry shall be denied to him or her,” the memorandum circular read.

Meanwhile, leisure travelers must adhere to the requirements under the VISITA system.

Medical personnel would be stationed at the two borders in Subic and Sta. Cruz to implement the order.

The Zambales provincial government earlier required fully vaccinated travelers to present a negative rapid antigen test taken 24 hours prior to entry in the province, while unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers should present a negative RT-PCR test taken 48 hours prior to arrival.

The provincial government also reported an increase in COVID-19 infections among its Rural Health Unit (RHU) staff.

However, the RHU medical service would continue with a skeletal workforce to serve residents. — DVM, GMA News