SANTA, Ilocos Sur, Aug. 24 (PIA) – The local government unit (LGU) of Santa allows returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) to finish their 14-day mandatory quarantine in their homes provided that they complied with the requirements stated in Executive Order (EO) No. 65 of Mayor Jesus Bueno Jr. issued on August 19.
Mayor Bueno said that due to the sudden surge of COVID-19 patients in the municipality, their municipal and barangay quarantine facilities are already overwhelmed which is why the LGU decided to implement such a proactive measure to ensure the utmost protection of the health of the people.
The ROFs, as defined under Section 3 of EO 95 series of 2021 of Governor Ryan Luis Singson, are residents of Ilocos Sur who come home from work and/or essential travel in another country and have no other place to go.
“However, ROFs who, after compliance with the quarantine period at the designated quarantine facility by the Bureau of Quarantine, did not directly came home to Santa but rather travelled to other provinces/regions and thereafter wants to go home in the municipality, shall not be allowed to avail the home quarantine privilege,” the EO reads.
For ROFs who want to avail of the home quarantine privilege, they must present these documents: copy of vaccination card or any certification or document evidencing that the ROF is fully vaccinated; certificate from the Bureau of Quarantine stating that the ROF has completed its initial quarantine at a designated quarantine facility upon arrival in the Philippines; negative RT-PCR test released within 72 hours; valid ID with Santa, Ilocos Sur appearing as the ROF’s residential address; and certificate of acceptance from the punong barangay of destination.
For the processing of the certificate of acceptance from the LGU, the said documents must be submitted at LGU Santa official Facebook page.
Upon arrival in the municipality, the ROF shall report immediately at the Rural Health Unit (RHU) for mandatory reporting and initial check-up.
From there, the ROF shall be endorsed to the barangay of destination where the ROF will complete the remainder of his/her 14-day quarantine period at his/her home; observe strict home quarantine; observe minimum public health safety standards at all times; and report to the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT)/RHU for any flu-like symptoms which may appear such as fever, cough, sore throat, among others.
The EO said the punong barangays may exercise all powers necessary and are authorized to issue additional protocols applicable within their area of responsibility in conformity with the guidelines, other government laws, and issuances.
The BHERT of each barangay is also ordered to strictly monitor the ROFs under strict home quarantine in their barangay. (JCR/AMB/PIA Ilocos Sur)
