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BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Occidental government no longer requires passengers to present COVID-19 vaccination cards at the Bacolod-Silay Airport.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said he sent a letter to acting airport manager Roel Aranzado to inform him that the inspection of vaccination cards ended on Dec. 1.
“This was implemented to harmonize with domestic airport protocols, especially in Manila,” Diaz said.
At least 21 flights arrive at the Bacolod-Silay Airport in a day.
Diaz said the province’s vaccination inspection team at the airport had reported back to the capitol.
Despite easing restrictions, the local government reminds the public not to let their guard down against COVID-19.
In November alone, at least 16 people died due to the dreaded virus in Negros Occidental, according to the Provincial Incident Management Team (PIMT).
The team also recorded 626 new COVID-19 cases in Negros Occidental in November.
Negros Occidental had vaccinated 78.55 percent of its target population against COVID-19 as of Nov. 27, a Department of Health report said Friday.
Negros Occidental and Antique were the remaining provinces in Western Visayas under Alert Level 2 because of their low vaccination turnout, the DOH said.
The Philippines earlier eased its requirements for incoming travelers to attract more tourists and businesses.
Before, travelers were required to present vaccination cards or certificates before entering an establishment.
The unvaccinated travelers were then required to present a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction swab test result taken 72 hours before departure from their points of origin.
A person is fully vaccinated when they have completed a two-dose series or a single dose COVID-19 vaccine.
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