This Week in Cebu and Bohol (November 7 to 13, 2021)

Travelers that completed their vaccination can now enter Cebu without presenting a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR test, a rapid antigen test result, or a medical certificate. It is effective immediately as mandated by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia last October 29, 2021. These fully vaccinated individuals are only required to present vaccination cards or vaccination certificates upon entry. Mandated quarantine for travelers is also waived. The memorandum was disseminated to local city and town officials, government agencies, and airline and shipping operators. [1]

The same policy update goes for fully vaccinated Boholanos and Bohol tourists planning to come to the province, with only a vaccination card as a requirement upon entry. But, unvaccinated individuals are still required to present negative RT-PCR or saliva test results. Bohol Governor Art Yap announced this new travel protocol update. He also said that he made sure that funds for Bohol residents returning from Cebu are made available at the Department of Health to cover their RT-PCR test or saliva test expenses. [3] This new guideline for local travel is only applicable for domestic passengers from local points of origin within the country. However, overseas Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers are still required to follow national government quarantine protocols. With this, an identification card issued by the government is also needed for entry into these provinces.

With the recent travel guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force, places in the Philippines have been reclassified according to Alert Levels. Cebu and Bohol are placed under Alert Level 2 starting November 1 until November 14, as these areas have shown a decrease in COVID-19 cases. Under this alert level, activities that the government had implemented restrictions are at 50% indoor venue capacity, while 70% for outdoor venue capacity, for fully vaccinated individuals. Also, 50% of workers under government agencies are now reporting on site.

The vaccination rollout for minors with comorbidities aged 12 to 17 is already ongoing in Tagbilaran, Bohol. The vaccination drive is held at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be used to inoculate the children, as announced by Tagbilaran City Health Office Spokesperson Ruben Culpa. Drug regulators have already approved the EUA or the emergency use authorization of the said two vaccines, for the immunization of the children. [4]

Recipients of the vaccine will be vaccinated with two doses each within three weeks.

SM Seaside City Cebu is all set and ready for mall-goers to witness the beautiful, French-inspired mini theme park this Christmas. A Noel Jardin garden adaptation is more than willing and in full display at the Mountain Wing Atrium in this famous mall in Cebu that will make shoppers feel the joyous vibe of Christmas. Taste French-inspired delicacies, buy gift toys for children, and so much more to do in this French-inspired display that SM malls annually prepare. You can also pose for pictures in the display itself, the paintings up for sale, statue men, and Santa Claus himself.

Another update, or rather good news, awaits moviegoers in Bohol since some cinemas are eyeing to resume operations starting next month. After more than a year of closure, movie theatres at the Alturas Mall and Island City Mall are set to reopen on November 10, 2021. The pandemic has had a significant effect on this business industry. Ariel Fullido of the Alturas Group’s Marketing Department formally announced the resumption of cinemas in malls.

Eating will be banned inside the cinemas, and Fullido assured that they would adhere to the safety protocols inside the movie theatres. [5]

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Cebu and Bohol!