Benguet imposes stricter protocols amid Delta variant threat
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The provincial government of Benguet through the Provincial Inter Agency Task Force issued stricter protocols for the protection of the people from the more contagious COVID-19 Delta variant.
Governor Melchor Diclas issued a public advisory on August 4 for the new guidelines and reiteration of other protocols following a recent PIATF meeting.
On the entry protocols in the province, non-Benguet residents or visitors entering the province are required to present a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result or vaccination card reflecting the
card owner is fully-vaccinated against COVID-19.
Those without RT-PCR and are not vaccinated against the COVID-19 are required to undergo triage in designated areas with the assistance of the Philippine National Police.
Border control checkpoints have been heightened thru the Benguet Provincial Police Office and the respective municipal police station personnel who strictly inspect the documents being presented by entering individuals and monitor the entry and exit of individuals in the province.
To ensure the safety of the public, COVID-19 patients, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, are required to complete their isolation in a quarantine facility or temporary treatment and monitoring facility, whichever is available in the municipalities, or at the provincial facilities.
The PIATF reported that the Provincial TTMFs in La Trinidad are ready to accommodate COVID-19 patients from the different municipalities if their local or municipal TTMFs are fully utilized.
Diclas reiterated that all COVID-19 patients should not be placed on home isolation to prevent the spread of the virus in the households or in the communities.
All the municipal mayors of the 13 municipalities are advised to craft their respective travel advisories to be strictly followed when entering their respective areas of responsibility.
The governor said that while the province is under Modified General Community Quarantine, all other guidelines under MGCQ are required by the IATF to be strictly complied.
The public should also adhere to the minimum health protocols such as wearing of facemasks and face shields, observing physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, among others.
As of August 5, the provincial government of Benguet reported 10,110 total COVID-19 cases with 9,527 recoveries, 321 active cases and 262 deaths.
(RMC –PIA CAR/ABN)
