Ilocos Norte tightens travel rules; Ilocos Sur adopts 'shielding'

Ilocos Norte has updated its travel protocols effective Thursday to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Non-residents with indispensable travel are no longer allowed to enter Ilocos Norte; only Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR) who have official business and can show proof of work are exempted.

The validity period for swab tests for non-resident frequent border crossers has been shortened to one week from two weeks.

Ilocos Sur residents will no longer be exempt from these travel guidelines due to the province's 'emergency shielding' declaration, which restricts residents from traveling outside Ilocos Sur except for essential and emergency purposes.