PNP sets up Covid-19 checkpoints in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY --- Police checkpoints have been set up in every exit and entry points in the entire Bicol to closely check on the entry of residents and transients from Metro Manila and other regions as a counter measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the region.

BGen Anthony Alcaneses, Bicol police regional director, ordered all provincial, town, and city police chiefs to intensify their checkpoints in the six provinces by checking all passengers riding in buses, and private vehicles from Metro Manila and other provinces.

The checkpoints manned by police and health personnel would ask the passengers to submit themselves to the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine pursuant to the COVID-19 precautionary guidelines set by various local government units.

Police at the checkpoint would strictly enforce the “No Entry/Exit Policy” as they would require the passengers to present a valid identification card, and travel documents and they would also undergo thermal scanning to check whether they are not afflicted by symptoms of flu, colds, and coughs.

A holding area would be established for passengers with the said symptoms and those with negative signs would be placed three meters away from the assigned holding area.

Meanwhile personnel manning the checkpoint are directed to strictly implement and follow the guidelines including proper hand washing, right way to cough and sneeze and proper wearing of personal protective equipment as well as social distancing.

Checkpoints would be set up at the boundaries at the Maharlika Highway connecting the provinces of Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon.

Police checkpoints would also be put up in the seaports and road networks in the island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate.