Cebu flattens pandemic curve

CEBU CITY – Although the local government has managed to flatten the coronavirus pandemic here, Mayor Edgardo Labella said they welcomed the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to place the capital city under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) for another month.

Duterte announced that the “rest of the country” would be placed under MGCQ. It included this city and Cebu province as a whole.

“After a month of being under less stringent quarantine measures, I am glad to say that Cebu City was able to keep virus transmission down,” Labella said.

He also issued Executive Order (EO) 94 reiterating the guidelines for residents, workers, businesses, public transport, government facilities, and other establishments under the MGCQ status.

The EO prohibits residents from roaming around except when reporting for work or buying necessities. “Only one member of the household is allowed to go out in accessing essential goods and services and should always carry the quarantine pass issued by the city government,” the mayor said.

He said residents who are below 21 years old and 60 years old and above as well as those with immunodeficiency and comorbidities are required to remain in their homes.

The EO also listed down “negative activities” which are not allowed due to the impossibility of avoiding mass gathering and imposing physical distancing and these are cockfighting and cockpit operation, holding of concerts, and operation of beer houses and amusement parks. 

But the local government allowed religious services, work conferences, and sporting events but with a 50-percent limit in attendance. “The virus is still in our midst. This is not the time to let our guard down. We carry on with the policies that have kept us safe: going out only for essential activities, wearing a mask and face shield, observing physical distancing, and regularly washing or sanitizing hands,” Labella said.

The mayor attributed the flattening of the pandemic curve to the cooperation of the residents, who followed the minimum health and safety protocols.

The Department of Health said there are only 380 active cases in the region and zero deaths. (John Rey Saavedra)

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