People who are not fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not allowed to enter the island-province of Guimaras.

The ban on unvaccinated individuals is contained in Executive Order No. 03 signed by Governor Samuel T. Gumarin on Jan. 7.

“Effective January 10, 2022, individuals who are not fully vaccinated are not allowed to enter the Province of Guimaras except in cases of medical emergencies or referrals,” the EO stated.

This is part of the strengthened policies and protocols implemented on the island amid the threat posed by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The EO also prohibits unvaccinated residents of Guimaras from leaving the province.

Individuals who are not vaccinated yet may be allowed entry into the province if they can present negative RT-PCR results. The test must be taken not later than three days before the date of travel.

Leisure travels may be allowed only for those who have prior or existing bookings with the hospitality establishments in the province.

Only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed in hotels and other accommodation establishments but limited only to 50 percent of the venue’s capacity.

All business establishments are allowed to open except entertainment and amusement venues.

Food establishments and resorts can cater dine-in services for fully vaccinated individuals only provided they would not exceed 50% percent capacity.

Business establishments may operate from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m. except for pharmacies that may open until 10 p.m.

Cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops and other gambling establishments except those that are authorized by the Inter-Agency Task Force or the Office of the President, are suspended.

Sea vessels may operate from 4 a.m. until 7 p.m. while public utility vehicles are allowed to operate from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m. with 50 percent of the maximum passenger capacity.

Mass and social gatherings that will compromise the minimum health standard are prohibited.

Places or areas made as venue for gatherings to include those that are devoted for worship must comply with the 50% capacity limitation.

Meanwhile, only fully vaccinated local ambulant vendors and peddlers including “bulante” are allowed. However, non-residents are prohibited to conduct “bulante” activities in the province.

Contact sports such as basketball are suspended.

The province of Guimaras has six active cases of COVID-19 as of January 7, 2022.