This Week in Cebu (November 8 to 14, 2020)

For the month of November, the entire Central Visayas region will be under MGCQ under the recommendation of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for emerging infectious disease (IATF-EID). The Central Visayas region is now in its third month under the MGCQ and DOH 7 Spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche urged residents to be cautious as there will be more movement during the holidays.

Meanwhile, the extension of the MGCQ in the Queen City of the South until the end of 2020 was recommended. As COVID-19 cases in Cebu City average at more than seven cases per day, travel and business restrictions are lifted but health standards are still observed. And according to Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, removing important health measures could be dangerous even though the city is already recovering from the pandemic [1].

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella signed an executive order stating the reopening of 18 routes and the return of public utility jeepneys in the city’s streets. The Cebu City Jeepney Task Force determined the routes in the city that will reopen and jeepney units that will operate. Jeepney drivers must first secure an updated Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) travel line and apply for a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas Special Permit and a Balik Pasada Permit before taking in passengers for a route. After supplying all the documents, drivers with a professional license must pass swab testing and attend the CCTO orientation and seminar [2].

As the island of Cebu reopens tourism activities, the Lapu-Lapu City Government urged travelers to make appointments and secure reservations first before visiting beaches and resorts. Meanwhile, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) continues to ensure that strict health protocols are observed in tourist establishments.

According to CDRRMO Head Nagiel Bañacia, they have noticed that many people flock to the beaches and resorts without following the 50% maximum capacity protocol. To avoid this, Bañacia advised beach-goers to check with the management of these resorts and beaches and book a reservation before visiting.

Go to Yoorekka for more COVID-19 updates in Cebu.