TRAVEL protocols in Negros Occidental remain "status quo" even as the threat of the Delta variant of Covid-19 continues to rise in neighboring provinces.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said this meant that only essential travel is allowed and a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result is required for all inbound travelers.

On Saturday, August 7, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order 71-A that imposed a temporary suspension of all inbound air and sea travel to the regional capital effective August 9 to 15 from areas other than Panay and Negros island.

The Department of Health announced that Western Visayas had 31 cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

Lacson also said, "no person in his right mind will travel to this area if it is non-essential."

"If they travel, upon return, they must show a negative RT-PCR test result. But, trade will continue," the governor said.

Lawyer Rayfrando Diaz, provincial administrator, earlier said government-managed hospitals in the province still have enough beds and medical oxygen to cater to Covid-19 patients.

“I think we are prepared unless what happens will be in catastrophic proportions,” he said, adding that “we pray it will not happen in Negros.”

Diaz said the province has done its best to prepare for the eventuality.