A negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result remains a requirement in traveling to this city, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Wednesday.

Salazar issued Executive Order 262, setting the local coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) guidelines for interzonal and intrazonal movement of persons in line with the synchronized travel protocols ordered nationwide by the national Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Under the new travel guidelines, documents such as travel authority, medical certificate, and coordination pass have been scrapped — except for the RT-PCR negative test result.

Salazar said this city strictly requires all inbound travelers to submit a negative RT-PCR result upon entry due to the unabated Covid-19 cases.

The local Covid-19 tracker showed that there are 4,168 confirmed cases in this city as of March 1.

Of the total confirmed cases, 48 are active cases as there are 3,931 recorded recoveries and 189 deaths.

Meanwhile, Section 3 of EO 626 requires minimum public health standards, such as physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and the wearing of a face mask and face shield.

Salazar said the “added protection of the Covid-19 vaccine would bring us one step closer to resuming a more normal life.”

Vaccination, coupled with mask-wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing “will not only save more Filipinos from Covid-19, but it will also allow us to resume work and other activities safely,” she added. (PNA)