The Calbayog City government is requiring returning residents to present a negative swab test result for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) before they will be allowed to enter the city, an official confirmed on Tuesday.

Calbayog information officer Ronald Ricafort, Jr. said the requirement is on top of the travel pass and letter of coordination from the city government as decided by the Calbayog inter-agency task force during its meeting on Monday presided by Mayor Ronald Aquino.

“For returning residents from Metro Manila and other places in the country, you are required to submit a negative swab result from your place of origin at least 72 hours before your arrival in the city,” Ricafort said in a phone interview.

Calbayog City is one of the identified local government units in the region by the Department of Health with an existing community transmission.

Villages in the city identified by the health agency with community transmission are Hamorawon and Capoocan. The city has already recorded 821 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 88 remaining active cases.

“Continue to stay home especially for teenagers who believe that they can’t be infected by the virus. Your immunity may be strong but you have to consider the people inside your household,” Ricafort said.

He added the IATF also orders the continued banning of karaoke singing sessions and celebration of fiesta as these activities are considered to be super spreaders of Covid-19 virus. (PNA)