Western Visayas extends travel restrictions

Only outbound travels from areas not mentioned are allowed provided that they follow travel requirements and health protocols required by their respective local government units

KALIBO, Aklan -- The Office of the Civil Defense-Western Visayas (OCD-WV) announced recently that it has extended travel restrictions to the region until 19 April.

This comes after local government officials in the region requested to extend travel restrictions in WV to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

OCD-WV regional director Jose Roberto Nunez said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has approved the request from local officials.

Previously, the IATF on 1 April approved the requests of restricting travelers coming from the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal — otherwise known as the NCR Plus bubble — including those coming from Cebu and Davao because of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases reported.

It was learned that it was Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas who sought for extension.

Meantime, Nunez said that all incoming flights, sea voyage except delivery of goods are mandated to follow the guidelines imposed by the regional civil defense office.

“Only outbound travels from areas not mentioned are allowed provided that they follow travel requirements and health protocols required by their respective local government units,” said the OCD.

In Aklan, those allowed to travel are essential travelers such as health and emergency service personnel, government frontline and personnel, duly-authorized humanitarian assistance, persons traveling for medial or humanitarian reasons, returning Filipinos from abroad and overseas Filipino workers.