SunStar
bobby nalzaro
February 25, 2021
Gov. Gwen Garcia has been bashed on social media and criticized by her critics on her controversial memorandum last Feb. 3, 2021 addressed to all local chief executives and city and municipal health officers in the province on the conduct of Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) on asymptomatic persons. In that memorandum, the governor advised local chief executives and heath officials that “only those showing symptoms of the coronavirus disease (Covid 19) shall be subjected to an RT-PCR test. Any request for an RT-PCR test by an asymptomatic person shall not be entertained nor accommodated.”
In fairness to the governor, her memorandum has basis. It was not a unilateral decision, but based on the guidelines released by the Department of Health (DOH) central office. Days ago, the governor issued an executive order that RT-PCR test is no longer required for tourists visiting the province. There are only three requirements: a valid medical certificate issued by a reputable doctor within seven days before the trip; proof of pre-booking at a resort or hotel and passing the Covid-19 symptoms check at the points of departure and arrival.