Ilocos Norte warns delivery, cargo operators vs protocol breach

Authorities manning Ilocos Norte borders have issued a warning to cargo and delivery operators after some of them were caught violating health protocols when traveling to the province. (Photo courtesy of Ilocos Norte provincial government)

LAOAG CITY — The Ilocos Norte government on Tuesday (Aug. 24) warned drivers and operators of delivery vehicles and cargo firms traveling to the province against violating the existing public health protocols that could spread COVID-19.

At least 10 cargo personnel who entered the province since Aug. 1 have been apprehended at the provincial borders for breaching health protocols,

Some of those who were apprehended were “undeclared” delivery personnel who were discovered hiding inside their vehicles and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, the provincial said in a statement.

Before entering the province, all personnel of cargo and delivery workers are required to present negative results of their reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests to border personnel. They should also go through a health triage at the borders, the provincial government said.

In an executive order, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc said the operation of these delivery vehicles would remain unhampered even amid stricter quarantine curbs for as long as they adhere to health and border protocols.

In nearby Ilocos Sur province, strict border protocols are also imposed on cargo and delivery vehicles, including those delivering essential goods.

Before being allowed to enter Ilocos Sur, they are also required to present a negative RT-PCR result taken within 72 hours prior to travel or an antigen test taken 24 hours upon entry.