IT is not true that Mayor Edgar Labella has ordered the closure of malls as initially reported yesterday in some news outlets. What he ordered closed under Executive Order 56, which he issued Wednesday, March 18, were the places of amusement that serve alcoholic beverages; concerts, art exhibits and similar activities; gambling facilities; and fitness centers such as gyms and dance studios.
So a tip to restaurants and similar establishments: Stop serving any alcoholic drink if you want to stay open. Also a note to walkers and joggers: The Cebu City Sports Center oval is not covered by the ban.
As for the malls, they are covered by a separate executive order (52-A), which directs them and all recreational centers, community centers and other commercial areas to close shop at 8 p.m. The order does not, however, apply to medical centers, pharmacies and other healthcare establishments.
EO 52-A should clarify all questions related to the implementation of the General Community Quarantine that the mayor issued on March 15. There were complaints of confusion as to what the declaration of a general community quarantine entailed. Labella said his supplemental executive order seeks to dispel any such confusion and to assist government employees and the media, among others, in interpreting the quarantine.
Here are the salient points of the implementing guidelines:
Cebu City is not on lockdown but residents are strongly urged to stay at home and limit non-essential travel.
There shall be no disruption in government work, including the delivery of basic services, although government agencies are encouraged to practice alternative work arrangements in compliance with civil service rules and regulations.
BPOs can continue to operate but social distancing must be strictly enforced in the workplace.
Dine-in in restaurants is discouraged. Take-out orders are preferred.
All the night markets are closed.
All mass gatherings including concerts, fiestas, cockfights are canceled.
The suspension of classes in all levels in both public and private schools is extended to April 14, 2020.
Departing ship passengers are allowed to leave but they cannot return to Cebu during the effective period of the quarantine. Cargo deliveries are permitted. Rolling cargoes should be driven out of the vessel by a Cebu City-based driver. The previous driver is barred from disembarking.
And finally on the curfew:
It will remain from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. For individuals who finish work beyond 8 p.m., they must present their company ID or proof of work schedule. The same rule applies to those who are on their way to work when the curfew is in effect.
Aside from persons who are coming to or from work, medical practitioners, authorized government officials, those traveling for medical or humanitarian reasons, those transiting to the airport for travel abroad, law enforcement personnel, force multipliers and persons providing basic services and utilities are also exempt.
So there you are. The mayor does not enjoy imposing the restrictions but he has a job to do. Let’s stop complaining and just cooperate.