SAN JOSE, Antique, Sept. 1 (PIA)- - The compliance to Reverse Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) will no longer be required, per guideline from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
DILG-Antique Information Officer Judy Mae Sajo shared an advisory from DILG Assistant Secretary Marcelo Morales that does not require LSIs to undergo RT-PCR for their going home. Rapid Test is also not advised.
The imposition of the RT-PCR test prior to departure of the returning LSIs should not also be implemented as this runs contrary to the provision of the Refined Policy Guidelines on the Management of LSIs which only require a Medical Clearance Certificate and Travel Authority.
Antique governor Rhodora J. Cadiao recently issued Executive Order No. 110-A that allows LSIs without COVID-19 symptoms to return home via the Antique Airport even without RT-PCR test provided they have proper coordination with the municipalities of their destination which in return will take charge of their 14-day isolation.
The non- Antiqueños without COVID-19 symptoms may take the Manila-Antique flights as long as they have coordination with the municipality/city of their destination, the Order noted.
In Region 6, the joint Advisory of the Western Visayas Regional Task Force (WVRTF) dated July 22, 2020 prescribed that LSIs should secure a Notice of Coordination from the receiving LGU.
The said advisory also stated that the RT-PCR test may be done at the receiving LGUs as part of their local health protocol. It is the receiving LGUs, and not the LSI, that must shoulder the RT-PCR testing.
DILG Antique Provincial Director Cherryl P. Tacda said that this will help ease the burden of the LSIs because requiring them rapid diagnostic tests incurs additional cost on their part and causes delays in securing the necessary documents for them to go home.
In the event that the LGU no longer has the testing capacity, a request can be channeled to the National Task Force through the Regional Task Force, headed by the Office of the Civil Defense, for resource augmentation.
“As of August 27, 2020, over 9,000 LSIs have arrived in the Province of Antique and more are expected to arrive,” said DILG Antique Provincial Focal Person Darrelle Thea Abad.
All Local Chief Executives are enjoined to comply with these requirements for LSIs, and ensure the unhampered travel from the ports of disembarkation to the final LGU destination. (DILG/PIA-Antique/ PDRRMO-Antique photo)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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