CORTES, Bohol, Nov. 20 (PIA) -- Gov. Arthur Yap has issued Executive Order No. 57, series of 2021, which lifted the stay-at-home orders for the vulnerable sectors identified to be at risk of COVID-19. 

The governor lifted the stay-at-home orders for individuals below 18 years old and over 65 years old as well as other identified members of the sectors vulnerable to COVID-19 effective immediately.

The mandate to wear face masks is still imposed despite the new order. 

The executive order, howeverm, is subject to automatic reimposition when the local situation slides back to Alert Level 4.

This means that the order will be rescinded once local COVID-19 cases start to escalate. 

Bohol is currently under Alert level 2 until Nov. 30, according to the National Inter-Agency Task Force (NIATF) Resolution No. 148-F, issued Nov. 11. 

The executive order traces its foundation from Executive Order No. 151 series of 2021, which Pres. Rodrigo Duterte issued approving the Guidelines on the nationwide implementation of Alert Level System for COVID-19 Response, as recommended by the NIATF on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. 

The NIATF earlier recommended the Alert Level System Guidelines, which stated the stay-at-home order for individuals below 18 years old, those above 65 years old, those with immune deficiency, comorbidity and other health risks, pregnant women or those vulnerable population, are strictly implemented in areas under Alert Level 4.

In areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3, they would be allowed to move around subject to capacity restrictions and vaccination alert status implemented according to the pervading alert status. (RAHC/PIA7 Bohol)