Protocols in managing LSIs, repatriated OFWs in Bacolod ordered

BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia has issued Executive Order (EO) 44, establishing protocols in managing locally stranded individuals (LSI), repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and returning residents during the period of the city's modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) and beyond.

Leonardia, who signed the EO on June 18, said the National Government promulgated the policy of allowing the repatriation of OFW, one reason for which is the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic that could also be running rampant in the countries they had been working in.

He said like the OFWs above-mentioned, there are also many other Bacolod City residents who are considered LSIs in various parts of the country at the time when Bacolod City and/or the National Government and other local government units (LGUs) imposed their respective Enhanced Community Quarantines (ECQs).

He added that these stranded non-OFW Bacolod City residents would similarly like to return to their respective homes and families here in Bacolod City.

For the protection of the general community, the mayor pointed out that strict health protocols should be observed in allowing the return of these above-mentioned returning residents of Bacolod City.

On June 1, 2020, the City of Bacolod was placed on MGCQ under Executive Order 38, Series of 2020.

On June 16, 2020, the MGCQ was extended further until June 30, 2020 under Executive Order 43, Series of 2020.

For public interest and welfare, Leonardia said this Executive Order serves to reasonably avoid the risks of possible "imported" contamination, to monitor the health condition of these returning residents, both LSIs and OFWs, following their arrival into the City and to ensure the orderly arrival and homecoming of these OFWs and LSIs of Bacolod City without compromising health protocols for themselves, their families and the general public during the period of MGCQ and beyond.

Section 2 of the EO states that all OFWs and LSIs arriving from Manila, Cebu and other high risk areas are required to submit to a mandatory Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, administered by the city's licensed health professionals and supervised by medical doctors from the City Health Office (CHO), at the soonest possible time after arrival. The swab specimen will then be submitted to any DOH-accredited laboratory.

After submitting to mandatory RT-PCR testing, all LSIs arriving from Manila, Cebu and other high risk areas shall subsequently be endorsed to the Punong Barangay/Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (Bhert) and shall be required to undergo monitored home quarantine until their test results come out negative. However, the LSI may opt to undergo quarantine in the city-designated facility until such time that his RT-PCR test result comes out negative. The Punong Barangay/Bhert shall be responsible in immediately referring the patient to the CHO should the patient or any member of his family or household experience symptoms of Covid-19.

After submitting to mandatory RT-PCR testing, all OFWs arriving from Manila, Cebu and other high risk areas shall be required to undergo monitored quarantine at a city-designated facility until their test results come out negative after which, they will complete the remainder of the 14-day quarantine at home under strict monitoring of the Punong Barangay/Bhert, who shall be responsible in immediately referring the patient to the CHO should the patient or any member of his family or household experience symptoms of Covid-19.

A printed notice will be installed outside the LSI's and OFW's residence to indicate that a family or household member is under strict home quarantine. Persons who test positive will be isolated in a designated facility, clinic or hospital and will be required to undergo a repeat RT-PCR test until they test negative.

All passengers arriving by sea transport or air travel from other LGUs shall be required to fill out a Health Declaration Form (HDF) which shall be provided by the shipping or airline company upon check-in of the passengers from the port of origin. Upon disembarkation, the passengers shall submit the HDF to the assigned health desk personnel at the terminals, and all passengers arriving in Bacolod City from Manila, Cebu and other high risk areas, thru any LGU, shall be required to comply with testing and quarantine procedures, under Section 2 and Section 3 hereof.

All passengers must be checked by thermal scanners at the airport and ferry terminals before their departure from their point of origin and upon arrival in the local terminals. Passenger terminals are required to install thermal scanners or provide portable thermal scanners to check the body temperature of all passengers. Passengers with a temperature of 37.5° C and above shall be referred to the CHO for appropriate health care intervention.

The Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Philippine Army shall assist in the enforcement of this Executive Order, wherever it may be applicable.

Any previous Executive Orders and other issuances that are inconsistent herewith are deemed repealed, modified and/or amended accordingly, the EO further stated.

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