The municipal government of El Nido regulates travelers from entering the town due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in some Palawan municipalities especially those who have confirmed local transmission of the dreaded disease.
In an executive order no. 20-082 signed by Mayor Edna Lim, the LGU El Nido temporarily suspends travel from “high risk areas or areas with community transmission” which include travelers who have stayed in Coron, Cuyo, and those emanating from barangays in Puerto Princesa where there is recorded local transmission.
It also suspends vessels that carries passengers to El Nido with stop-over at Coron, Cuyo, and Mindoro provinces. Health related emergencies and other essential travels are not covered by the suspension.
“Health related emergencies, allowable essentials, indispensable travel, cargoes and related energy, communication, and water service shall not be covered by suspension provided that the personnel involved did not come from high risk areas and preferably swab tests.” the EO read.
However, travelers from municipalities with no community transmission is exempted from the travel ban provided that they will strictly follow procedures and health protocols.
It also suspends entry of locally stranded individuals, returning overseas Filipinos and authorized person outside of residence arriving through Puerto Princesa airport and seaport due to unavailability of quarantine facility, except those who have booked tickets before October 15, 2020.
“Due to the fully occupied quarantine facilities, LSIs, APORs/ROFs coming to El Nido via Puerto Princesa Airport/Seaport shall be temporarily suspended to allot accreditation of additional quarantine facilities, except, those who have already booked travel tickets/flights before October 15, 2020.” the EO says.
Travelers who will avail direct flights to El Nido, with negative swab test is exempted from the travel ban.
The 10 days travel suspension takes effect from October 10 until October 20, 2020.