No more RT-PCR test result for fully vaxxed travelers to Bacolod

The Bacolod City Government no longer requires fully vaccinated inbound travelers to present a negative coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) test result upon arrival at the Bacolod-Silay Airport or any of its seaports.

The amended travel documentation requirement is provided in Executive Order (EO) 49, series of 2021, released by Mayor Evelio Leonardia last night, Oct. 14, 2021.

“There is a need to revisit and rationalize previous executive issuances on required travel documentation for travelers bound for Bacolod,” he said.

Those fully vaccinated against Covid-19, who are no longer be required to present a negative RT-PCR (reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction) test result, must show proof in the form of either Covid-19 vaccination card or certificate duly issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment/authority whether local or foreign; or a certificate of quarantine completion showing the holder’s full vaccination status as issued by the Bureau of Quarantine.

Still, all travelers to Bacolod, whether fully vaccinated or not, including those coming from Panay Island and Guimaras, must possess the other required documents such as the online BaCTrac contact tracing registration, online health declaration, S-Pass travel coordination permit, and valid personal identification card.

In amending the documentation for inbound travelers, Leonardia cited the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution 124-B, as amended by Resolution 125, providing that a duly-issued Covid full-vaccination card may be accepted as an alternative to a negative RT-PCR test result as among the requirements for interzonal travel subject to the discretion of the local government unit concerned.

He also mentioned Resolution 128, amending Resolution 124-B, which considers an individual as having been fully vaccinated for Covid-19 more than or equal to two weeks after having received the second dose, or after having received a single-dose vaccine.

On the other hand, those who are not vaccinated or who do not meet the requirements as fully vaccinated individuals will still be required to present a negative RT-PCR test result obtained within 72 hours before arrival in Bacolod.

As of October 13, Bacolod has recorded 21,667 Covid-19 cases, including 2,231 active cases; 18,911 recoveries; and 525 deaths.* (Nanette Guadalquiver)