Camiguin eases COVID-19 protocols
CAMIGUIN (PIA)—Considering the current Alert Level 2 status of the province, the Provincial Government of Camiguin simplified the existing coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 protocols for locals and tourists to further aid in the economic recovery of the region.
“Pursuant to the memorandum from the Executive Secretary dated November 15, 2021 on the protocols of the use of face shields, the use of face shields outside of one’s residence in the Province of Camiguin, which is presently under Alert Level 2 shall be voluntary,” Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo said during the Serbisyong PPR radio program, November 19.
Accordingly, the apprehension and imposition of penalties of persons not using face shields while outside the residence shall be suspended. Such suspension shall remain while the province is under Alert Levels 1, 2 or 3.
Regardless of the alert level of the province, the use of face shields shall remain mandatory for all persons in medical facilities, such as Camiguin General Hospital, Catarman District Hospital and rural health units.
Such is also mandatory in quarantine facilities including the barangay isolation units, municipal isolation units, and temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMFs) for healthcare workers and healthcare facilities and settings to use face shields.
The use of face shields inside public utility vehicles (PUVs) such as multicabs, public utility jeepneys (PUJs), vans, motorelas, shall also be voluntary and will no longer be required.
For education, Romualdo said the limited face-to-face classes as per Commission on Higher Education (CHED), will be allowed to fully vaccinated teachers or faculty and students.
Not fully vaccinated students of Camiguin, who are currently staying outside the province, shall not be allowed to enter the island as they could not also attend the limited face-to-face classes.
“Ayha ra nato sila ipasulod kung ready na sad ang CPSC (We will only allow them to enter the island if CPSC [Camiguin Polytechnic State College] is ready as well),” Romualdo added.
As for the mode of transportation going to and fro the province, Romualdo said Camiguin-Bohol trips will resume until necessary fixing and requirements will be complied.
“First week sa December, magsugod na pud ang byahe sa Bohol, Bohol-Balbagon, Jagna-Balbagon. Gikondisyon gyud na nga barko, mahuman na kuno na siya karong katapusan,” Romualdo said.
(Bohol-Balbagon, Jagna-Balbagon trips will resume by the first week of December. The boat is being fixed and it is expected to be completed by the end of November)
Sunlight Express Airways also sent a communication to the provincial government stating their intention to operate in Camiguin by February 2022. The airlines will include direct flights from Manila.
Along with easing the COVID-19 protocols, Romualdo urged the locals to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to help the government achieve the target herd immunity.
As of November 19, 41,162 have been vaccinated with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines in the province, 28,436 for the second dose, and 3,983 children aged 12-17 got their first dose. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
