Antique closes borders due to rising COVID-19 cases

The province of Antique will temporarily close its borders starting on Monday, April 5, due to the rising COVID-19 cases.

Under the latest executive order (EO) issued by Goverdor Rhodora Cadiao, Antique is off-limits to “domestic travelers” from general community qurantine (GCQ) areas and places outside of the province” until April 19.

Domestic travelers is defined by the EO as “tourists, staycationers, APORs (authorized persons outside of residence) traveling not on official business, and other persons movinf from one place to another within the Philippines for work or business.”

“The four border controls/checkpoints at Anini-y, Hamtic, Pandan, and Libertad shall be reactivated. The delivery of essential, services, medical equipment, and medicines shall be unhampered,” the EO stated.

The suspension of travel also covers returning residents of the province.

Returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) “shall be assessed, oriented, ans counseled by the municipal health authority at their respective quarantine facilities upon arrival in Antique.”

Meanwhile, APORs on official business in Western Visayas are allowed to enter the province.

“The use of S-Pass and QR Code is highly encouraged. In the absence of S-Pass anf QR Codes, they shall present their Travel Pass and valid ID; observe symptom monitoring and reporting and adhere minimum public health standards,” the EO stated.

The provincial government also ordered the imposition of curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., and liquor ban in all public places.