Coast Guard orders strict health protocols on inter-island trips from Manila

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Occidental has ordered the strict implementation of health protocols in all ferry vessels originating from Metro Manila.

The order was issued following the declaration of the National Inter-Agency Task Force (NIATF) placing the whole National Capital Region and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal under Alert Level 3.

In a Sea Travel Advisory signed by PCG-Negros Occidental station commander and Coast Guard District Western Visayas deputy commander Captain Ludovico Librilla, all passenger ships must strictly observe the authorized passenger capacity of 70 percent as per advisory No. 2021-577 of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

Passengers inside the vessel must also observe the one-meter physical distance requirement.

Ferry operators were also reminded that hand sanitizers and other disinfectants must be available at all times.

The ferry crews must also carry out proper disinfection procedures regularly and everyone is ordered to properly wear their face masks.

At present, there are currently no travel restrictions between Manila and Negros Occidental.

However, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson already warned that travel restrictions may be imposed again if the number of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila continue to go up.

In a statement released on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH) warned that there is a high probability of exponential growth with continued decreased adherence to minimum public health standards and the detection of local cases with Omicron variant.

The DOH has previously detected three local cases of the Omicron variant.* (DGB)