ILOILO City – The city’s shift to the less restrictive modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) should be coupled with a more aggressive information campaign on health protocols to stop the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Today, he is meeting the managers of various media outlets.
“Mangayo gid ko bulig sa tanan…Subong guro pulihan gid ‘ni naton,” Treñas said.
While cases of COVID-19 are increasing, the mayor said, “We have to allow more activities (to address) the economic slowdown. (But) we have to be more aggressive (too) in promoting health protocols.”
How?
“We should definitely try to use all forms of media to remind everyone. These are very difficult times,” said Treñas.
He is also counting on the support of barangay councils.
“The improvement of the situation depends on the barangay officials. Protocols should be enforced in the barangays,” stressed Treñas.
The three basic health protocols are the wearing of facemask and face shield, observing physical distancing and washing of hands with disinfectant or soap and water.
Treñas reminded residents to continue being cautious because “the city is not yet normal. That’s the reason why we are finding ways to provide food for households under lockdown.”
MGCQ GUIDELINES
On Monday, Treñas issued an executive order (omnibus guidelines) on the city’s MGCQ status for the whole September.
What activities/industries are prohibited?
a. cockfighting and operation of cockpits
b. beerhouses and similar establishments whose primary business is serving alcoholic drinks
c. children’s amusement industries
What activities are allowed to operate at 50% capacity?
a. hotels and other accommodation establishments provided they have been accredited and allowed to operate by the Department of Tourism (DOT)
b. establishments offering personal care services and aesthetic procedures and services
c. gyms and fitness studios;
d. testing and tutorial services,
e. review centers
f. internet shops, provided that the computer and internet services will be used strictly for educational purposes or for work only
g. drive-in cinemas
h. pet grooming services
i. language driving, dance / acting / voice schools
j. entertainment industries (e.g. traditional cinemas, theaters, and like businesses)
k. libraries, archives, museums and cultural centers
I. tourist destinations
m. travel agencies, tour operators, reservation services and related activities
n. tattoo and body piercing
o. live events, subject to DOT guidelines on meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions and business events
What activities are allowed to operate at 75% capacity?
a. dine-in services for dining establishments, restaurants, and food establishments
b. barbershops and salons
What individual and group outdoor exercises are allowed?
a. non-contact sports
b. public exercise parks such as the Iloilo Esplanade shall be open to the public
There is a curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.; exempted are those who work in business processes outsourcing companies, warehouses and logistics and similar businesses, ports, arrastre, food manufacturing, storage and preservation, hospitals, media, and other similar business or occupations.
Selling and dispensing of liquor is prohibited after 6 p.m. while public consumption is prohibited after 8 p.m./PN
