THE Zamboanga City Government announced that permits are no longer required to conduct public and private gatherings as the city further eases coronavirus disease (Covid-19) restrictions under Alert Level 1.
This, as this city remains under Alert Level 1 from July 1 to July 15 per resolution approved by the national Inter-Agency Task Force for the management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).
Belen Sheila Covarrubias, City Hall information officer, said that the decision to forego permits for gatherings by both public and private event organizers was agreed upon in a meeting between Mayor John Dalipe and the local IATF-EID Thursday afternoon, June 30.
However, Covarrubias said that travel guidelines provided under Executive Order 712 will remain in effect, pending the issuance of a new EO by Dalipe.
EO 712 said that travelers coming from areas with higher alert level status are required to submit a negative swab test result within 120 hours from the time of collection of specimen or rapid antigen test within 24 hours from the time of collection of specimen.
Children below 18 years old do not need to undergo a swab or antigen test if accompanied by fully vaccinated parents or guardians.
The same order said that full vaccination is a requirement as an exemption from travel requirements and curfew.
Meanwhile, strict enforcement of minimum health standards such as wearing face masks and hand hygiene shall remain in place.
People are also encouraged to submit themselves for vaccination -- both primary and booster doses -- to stay protected against Covid-19 which remains a threat in the country.
Vaccinees who are scheduled for second dose or booster dose in malls in the coming days are requested to proceed to the City Health Office for their scheduled shots. (SunStar Zamboanga)