ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Trenas has banned the entry of all persons traveling by sea from Metro Manila and Batangas ports, as well as from countries with confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In Executive Order 50, Trenas said the ban is effective March 16 to April 14, 2020.

Entry of cargo ships, however, will be permitted but subject to compliance with the Department of Health’s (DOH) guidelines.

The crew of cargo vessels are also not allowed to disembark, said Trenas.

“Those who will break the protocols prescribed in this executive order or violate the same shall face appropriate administrative and criminal sanctions,” added the mayor.

He said the ban is a pre-emptive measure to prevent the spread of the new virus that causes Covid-19.

As of March 14, the Philippines has recorded a total of 111 confirmed cases of Covid-19. Eight of the patients have died. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)