This Week in Northern Luzon (June 12 to 18, 2021)

Quarantine announcement! Three Ilocos towns placed under MECQ until June 19

By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | June 12, 2021

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With the restrictions eased by the national Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), Ilocos Norte and Baguio City reopened to NCR Plus’s tourists. However, safety protocols are still being strictly enforced due to the increase of the COVID-19 virus. There are three towns in Ilocos Sur placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to lessen the spread of the virus. Lastly, the Philippines will celebrate its 123rd Independence Day on June 12.

Quarantine News

Three Ilocos towns placed under MECQ until June 19

Ilocos Sur’s local government placed three towns under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from June 5 to June 19: Burgos, Sto. Domingo, and Narvacan. The new quarantine status is due to increased COVID-19 positive cases in the areas, as the province currently has 2,170 confirmed cases. Isolation facilities are also at full capacity in the affected municipalities [1].

Other areas in the province placed under MECQ include Cabugao, Candon, San Vicente, Sta. Maria, and Vigan. The remaining areas in Ilocos Sur are under GCQ until the end of the month.

Travel Updates

Ilocos Norte and Baguio City reopen to tourists.

Tourists from Metro Manila and NCR Plus can now visit Ilocos Norte and Baguio City for leisure travel as restrictions are eased by the Inter-Agency Task Force., Safety protocols are strictly enforced in both areas to lessen the risks of COVID-19.

In Ilocos Norte, the travel would have to be point-to-point only, which means side trips are not allowed. In addition, guests must present negative RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours before arrival. Rapid antigen tests will also be conducted on tourists upon arrival at the border [2].

In Baguio City, it welcomes guests via point-to-point trips only. Just like Ilocos Norte, negative RT PCR test results must be presented at the border. When failed to do so, they will be tested at the City Central Triage [3]. But before going to the city, tourists must first schedule their visit through https://visita.baguio.gov.ph/. Aside from the negative COVID-19 test results, tourists must present a valid government ID.

However, tourists are not allowed to visit Benguet since the area is currently under MECQ status.

Holiday News

June 12 is Independence Day

The Philippines will celebrate its 123rd Independence Day on Saturday, June 12. On this day, classes and work are suspended since it’s an annual national holiday.

All details and information in this article are true and accurate as of the publication date. While we are making our utmost effort to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the condition surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be unpredictable, and the situation develops rapidly. Hence, some information and recommendations may have changed since this article was published. For the latest advice, visit DOH and your LGU's official websites.

Sources:
[1] https://bit.ly/3wdLuZj
[2] https://bit.ly/3gaipbN
[3] https://bit.ly/3gs8mxK

About Denisse Shawntel Tan

Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.

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