Chaos erupts as Zambales requires COVID-19 test at checkpoints

A heavy traffic builds up along the highway following the implementation of a strict border controls in Zambales, in which the provincial government requires antigen tests from all individuals entering the province. (Photo by Joanna Rose Aglibot)

SUBIC, Zambales–Law enforcers assigned in Zambales on Monday (Aug. 9) tightened their border control and began requiring COVID-19 antigen tests from those entering the province.

The checkpoints halted traffic at the borders as hundreds of vehicles were flagged down to check if motorists have brought with them negative antigen test results valid for one week. Antigen tests are quick and available within 15 minutes to an hour.

According to the authorities manning the checkpoints, the new protocol was based on the latest executive order of Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., who imposed the antigen tests on essential workers and other authorized persons outside residence entering the province.

The new protocol also triggered outrage from motorists and netizens who slammed the move as “burdensome” and “irrational.”

Lester Salas and fellow delivery rider Ric Anthony delos Reyes said they had to borrow P800 each from their employer to get antigen tests and be allowed entry in the province.

Salas and Delos Reyes, who both came from nearby Bataan province, told the Inquirer that Zambales has enforced stricter border controls despite being placed on the least restrictive modified general community quarantine.

“In Bataan, which is under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), we don’t have this kind of protocol,” they said. ECQ is the most restrictive form of quarantine in the country.

Workers from a telecommunication company who were supposed to fix Internet lines in the province were barred from entering after they failed to present antigen test results.

Other workers also said they could not afford the cost of the COVID-19 test.

But Dr. Noel Bueno, provincial health director, said the provincial government decided to provide free antigen tests for all of its residents following the backlash.

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JPV