Strict border control has been reimposed in Nueva Ecija starting on Sunday until Aug. 20 to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), particularly the highly transmissible Delta variant, even as the province remains under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), which is the lowest restriction category.

The Nueva Ecija Inter-Agency Task Force (NEIATF) led by Governor Aurelio Umali unanimously approved Resolution No. 1, series of 2021, via Zoom videoconference on Saturday.

It provides for the reactivation of “border control checkpoints around the province” and uniform implementation of the modified general community quarantine among its component cities and municipalities.

“Whereas, in view of the recent spike of cases in Metro Manila and other nearby provinces and in order to slow down the surge in Covid-19 cases, prevent the entry and further spread of variants in the province, there is a need for continued implementation of protective measures and restrictions such as the activation of our border control checkpoints,” the resolution reads.

The NEIATF ruled that amid the establishment of checkpoints, national roads and highways “must remain open and travel thereto must remain unhampered.”

“No barricades, of any type, shall be allowed to close any alley, road, street or highway within the territorial jurisdiction of the province,” the resolution added.

However, all travelers passing through or entering Nueva Ecija as well as local residents who would leave the province for whatever purpose shall be required to present a negative antigen, saliva or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test result taken within the last 72 hours of travel, it added.

While gatherings of more than 10 people are allowed, there should be a permit issued, as per Executive Order 2021-002.

The resolution also reiterated orders pertaining to the imposition of minimum public health standards. (PNA)