The city government of Calbayog in Samar is still requiring all returning residents to present a negative coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) swab test result even if they are fully vaccinated.

The local government said on Thursday this is one of their restrictions as cases of Covid-19 in the city have yet to decrease, according to the city inter-agency task force.

“Because our Covid-19 cases have not yet dropped, the Calbayog IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) decided that we will still subject returning residents for a negative RT-PCR test,” the Calbayog IATF statement said.

The RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase-chain reaction) test will be required for returning residents until August. This requirement is on top of the certificate of acceptance.

“Those who will present negative RT-PCR test will still undergo 14-day home quarantine but those who will not present said document will have to undergo 14-day quarantine at the city’s quarantine facility,” the statement added.

As of July 6, the city has already recorded 1,589 confirmed cases of Covid-19, including 1,452 recoveries, 137 active cases, and 31 deaths.

At least 20 of the 157 villages in the city are considered hot spots or those areas with 10 active cases or more.

Meanwhile, a total of 4,952 individuals have been inoculated with anti-Covid-19 jabs as of July 4. Of the number 3,527 have received their first dose, while 1,425 got the second dose.

The local government added there are still senior citizens and those with other illnesses living outside the city center who have not yet registered for vaccination.

The city government urged those who have not yet registered for vaccination to register online on or before July 29 to get their schedule for inoculation. (PNA)