DAVAO CITY —- The resurgence of Coronavirus Disease in the country prompts various local government units in Mindanao to adopt a stiffer health protocols and North Cotabato is among them.
Though the province of North Cotabato remains under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status, the health authorities and the North Cotabato’s Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force Against Covid-19 agree on Tuesday (May 4, 2021) to adopt a stiffer protocol in the border.
This, after North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco directed the local chief executives to closely watch villages in their respective turfs for a possible surge in Covid-19 cases.
Dr. Philbert Malaluan on Wednesday said “No required travel authority, medical certificate, quick response (QR) codes, and negative swab test results.”
But the province will impose stricter border control on the surrounding provinces of Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Bukidnon, Malaluan said.
Private and public transport vehicles would be checked for adherence to minimum health protocols.
“Those violating the procedures, such as no physical distancing and non-wearing of face shields and face masks, would not be allowed entry,” he said.
Malaluan said this was the agreement during the meeting presided over by IATF chair, North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco, at the Provincial Capitol on Tuesday.
“The salient features of what was approved during the meeting in Kidapawan, attended by town mayors, local officials, and health front-liners, will be implemented once approved by the national IATF,” he said.
Catamco in an interview said “The new measure includes the no-travel policy for senior citizens and minors coming in and going out of the province.”
