With the easing of travel restrictions in the country, the head of the umbrella organization of local government unit (LGU) leagues on Tuesday has urged the government to prioritize the vaccination of LGU health workers tasked to facilitate the entry of visitors in their localities.
Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) National President and Quirino Gov. Dax Cua said that while the provinces would benefit from the influx of travelers over the coming summer break, “local government units will have their hands full as they work to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 in their areas.”
LGU health workers include health workers who work for the provincial, city, and municipal governments. They also include barangay health workers.
According to Cua, under the new standardized guidelines, “LGU health workers will be tasked to monitor visitors and identify those that may be exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.”
“Every day these LGU health workers are assigned to go to airports, seaports, or bus terminals to assess those leaving and arriving in their jurisdiction, and as a consequence they are exposed to the risk of contracting COVID-19 on a regular basis,” the ULAP chief pointed out.
“And if these LGU health workers are exposed to this risk, their families and contacts are exposed to this risk as well. As the frontline of LGUs in efforts to contain COVID, they should be vaccinated as soon as possible.”
LGU health workers include health workers who work for the provincial, city, and municipal governments. They also include barangay health workers, explained Cua.
The new protocols also stated that travelers will no longer be required to undergo facility-based quarantine unless they exhibit symptoms upon arrival at the LGU of destination.
“If these LGU health workers are exposed to this risk, their families and contacts are exposed to this risk as well. As the frontline of LGUs in efforts to contain COVID, they should be vaccinated as soon as possible.”
The Department of Interior and Local Government recently announced standard protocols on domestic travel. Under the new guidelines, travelers will no longer be required to secure travel authorities from police and medical certificates from their places of origin.
While the new guidelines state that travelers will no longer be required to undergo facility-based quarantine unless they exhibit symptoms upon arrival at the destination LGU, clinical or exposure assessment of travelers will be made mandatory at the entry port or terminal or at the exit point of the destination.