FOREIGN nationals arriving in Cebu via international flights will have to undergo mandatory quarantine at a designated facility at their own expense, as provided under Executive Order 5-J issued by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
At present, there are two hotels in Lapu-Lapu City that have been identified as quarantine facilities for foreigners.
The Capitol also said it is indefinitely postponing the launching of the “Suroy-Suroy Alang sa Sugbo” initially slated for March 20.
The activity was supposed to bring in people from the countryside to urban Cebu to help cushion the effects of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on the tourism sector.
The governor, though, has proposed an alternative way to help the hospitality industry.
Returning Cebuanos and holders of Permanent Resident Visas are required to undergo 14-day home quarantine.
“I intend to talk to the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu because with this closing of our ports and seaports, we see an even more drastic decline in the booking of hotels,” Garcia said.
“This is (just) a quarantine. It doesn’t mean they are sick. We should not attach the same stigma to quarantined persons as to one who is really positive for the coronavirus,” she added.
Garcia also warned heads of public and private schools to abide by the order to suspend classes which started March 16 or risk facing administrative sanctions.
At the Capitol legislative building, the Provincial Board (PB) approved an ordinance adopting the executive orders issued by the governor as additional precautionary and preventive measures against the spread of the coronavirus disease, providing penalties for violations.
The measure was declared “urgent” by the governor.
It was filed by fourth district PB Member Kerrie Keane Shimura, who heads the committee on public health.
In a statement, Cebu Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III asked the public to follow social distancing and to avoid spreading unverified reports, especially on social media.
In Mandaue City, Mayor Jonas Cortes has issued an executive order aligned to the efforts of the Province of Cebu by laying out guidelines in preventing the spread of Covid-19 within his jurisdiction.
A city-wide curfew will also be strictly implemented in Mandaue.
Anyone caught loitering outside their residence from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. shall be asked to present a valid ID and escorted to the nearest precinct or their residences.
Establishments such as restaurants, cafes, food shops, malls, casinos, gaming centers, spas, parlors, barbershops and internet cafes are ordered to close at 8 p.m.
Cortes emphasized the implementation of social distancing. (RTF / KFD)