TRAVELERS who are coming into the province will be required to present "S-Pass" approval and "Stay Safe" registration starting March 15, 2021, Provincial Administrator lawyer Rayfrando Diaz said.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is set to issue an executive order introducing uniform travel protocols for the province in response to Resolution No. 101 issued by the National Inter-Agency Task Force (NIATF).
Diaz also said on March 15, all travelers are required to present negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results 72-hours prior to travel.
"If you don't have the requirements, you will not be allowed to board the ship or you will not be allowed to board your flight," Diaz said.
Diaz further explained the "S-Pass" registration will be used for contact tracing, as it would include details such as the name of the traveler, the seat or room he or she is assigned, and his or her final destination.
"For example, when we receive the traveler's details wherein his or her final destination is Bago City, we will inform the Bago City government of the traveler's arrival," Diaz said.
The "S-Pass" system will be maintained under the Provincial Incident Management Team.
"There will no longer be any documentary requirements, except for notice of acceptance or certification of acceptance," Diaz added.
Diaz further clarified that the new uniform travel protocols do not cover people traveling within Western Visayas only.
"Those traveling to Region 7 (Central Visayas), including Negros Oriental, will now be allowed to enter, but they are required to show a negative RT-PCR test result," Diaz said.
Under NIATF Resolution No. 101, travelers will no longer be compelled to go on quarantine unless they exhibit symptoms upon arriving at their destination.
Travelers are also no longer required to secure travel authorities or health certificates.
Authorized persons outside of residence from national government agencies and their attached agencies must provide their identification card, travel order and travel itinerary.
They must also pass symptom-screening at the ports of entry and exit.