AS THE province transitions from general community quarantine (GCQ) to modified GCQ, Governor Melchor Diclas called on the people of Benguet to venture out only for essential travel and adhere to health standards.
"Sa mga kababayan natin sa Benguet, nananawagan po tayo ulit na essential travel sana, hindi 'yung basta-basta na lang namamasyal para at least hindi na mag-bloat itong mga kaso natin. May mga health requirements pa rin 'yung paggamit ng mask, paghugas ng kamay, palakasin ang resistensya," Diclas said in the Laging Handa Network Briefing hosted by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar.
Diclas said under the MGCQ, community quarantine protocols may be more lax but rules on controlled movement of people will remain in efforts to control the spike of Covid-19 cases in the province.
Under the MGCQ, Diclas said schedule of marketing will be maintained along with the schedule by cluster of the delivery of vegetables to the trading posts in the capital town of La Trinidad. Those 21 years and below and 60 years old and above should stay at home. Checkpoints will also be sustained.
"Ime-maintain pa rin natin ang schedule ng marketing, babantayan pa rin natin 'yung mga below 21 years old at 60 years old and above, pinaiigting pa rin natin ang mga checkpoints, at binawasan na natin ang mga nagde-deliver ng vegetables natin kasi may clustering 'yan -- MWF at TThS. Kalahati 'yung nagde-deliver sa isang araw at saka sa isang araw. 'Yung ang ipagpapatuloy
pa natin for this MGCQ," he said.
Diclas also clarified that tourism activities are not yet allowed in the province. Provincial and municipal tourism officers are discussing that in the event the province opens up its tourism industry, tourists are required to do pre-registration to determine the number of those planning to visit.
Public utility vehicles with special permit issued by Department of Transportation, meanwhile, will be allowed to operate in identified and approved routes within the province.
Locally stranded individuals (LSI) returning to the province must present medical clearance certification and travel authority issued by the Philippine National Police.
LSIs traveling to other towns within Benguet are no longer required to have travel authority from the PNP.
Returning overseas Filipino workers must present a certificate of quarantine from the Bureau of Quarantine with a certificate reflecting negative result of RT-PCR test.
Data provided show there are 308 LSIs who arrived in Benguet, 96 still securing their medical certificates and travel pass, while are 11 currently admitted at the Temporary Provincial Quarantine Facility as of July 15.
There are 27 ROFWs expected to arrive soon in the province, while there are seven OFWs currently admitted at the quarantine facility of the province.
Meanwhile, Tublay Mayor Armando Lauro issued Executive Order 42, series of 2020 on July 16, lifting liquor ban in the town, but consumption of liquor and other alcoholic products in public places remain prohibited.
The order stated that all establishments selling liquor and alcoholic beverages must provide health declaration form or logbook for purposes of contact tracing.
Benguet, at the moment, has 10 active Covid-19 cases. The province has a total of 49 confirmed cases with 39 recoveries. (PIA/Lauren Alimondo)