AS PAMPANGA may transition to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) this June 2020, the Provincial Government is already setting guidelines to ensure the health and safety of Kapampangans.
Governor Dennis Pineda said implementation of safety protocols in restaurants, places of worship and other business establishments that are allowed to operate in reduced capacity under MGCQ will strictly be monitored by the Provincial Government.
"Social distancing must strictly be observed in all public places, especially those areas of convergence like restaurants and churches to prevent the possible spread of Covid-19," he said.
He added that installation of handwashing areas and foot baths and availability of disinfecting alcohol must also be conducted by business owners.
Pineda added that Provincial Ordinance 756, which requires the wearing of face masks outside of residence and any public areas will still be strictly enforced.
He said the Kapampangans' discipline in abiding by the said measure helped in preventing the swell in the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the province during the start of modified enhanced community quarantine to GCQ.
"Since the start of MECQ to GCQ, we only recorded minimal increase in the number of confirmed cases. We were actually expecting that the number to swell but possibly due to our strict protocols and the discipline of Kapampangans, we only recorded minimal increase," the governor said.
He also stressed that the ordinance will remain in effect until a vaccine for Covid-19 is out.
In terms of public transport, Pineda said many public utility vehicles such as jeepneys and tricycles have started plying their routes to ferry commuters since last week.
"We also appeal our business owners who rented their own service shuttles to cancel their rental to support the public transport sector," he said.
The provincial-wide curfew will also be enforced possibly until all types of community quarantine will be lifted, Pineda added.
The governor, meanwhile, asked Kapampangans to remain cooperative in observing all health protocols to safeguard themselves from the virus.
"Let us be reminded that the virus is still here so let us be extra cautious so we can protect ourselves, our families and community," Pineda said.