Cebu guv sets MGCQ guidelines

CEBU Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has not allowed cockfighting events that often gather a horde of well-to-do and cash-strapped "sabongeros" in the component cities and municipalities of the province under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Prohibited within the Province of Cebu are all forms of gambling and fiesta celebrations.

Prohibited also are sporting activities such as basketball and volleyball.

The governor said barangay officials will be held liable if they allow these banned activities.

However, Garcia has allowed non-contact physical activities and mass gatherings with reduced number of participants.

Outdoor activities such as zumba, biking, running, badminton, horseback riding, skateboarding, jogging, golf and swimming are allowed.

These were laid down by Garcia in her 17-page Executive Order (EO) 20, which sets the guidelines that must be followed by the local government units (LGUs) under the Province's jurisdiction during MGCQ. Forty-two municipalities (except for Minglanilla and Consolacion) and five component cities (except for Talisay City) have been under MGCQ status since July 1. This quarantine status will end on July 15, and authorities will then decide whether to extend the MGCQ status.

Garcia’s order took effect on Friday, July 10, 2020.

Rules

EO 20 mandates that organizers of events that will gather a crowd must obtain permits from the LGUs. If they are allowed, the event must be filled only up to 50 percent of the venue capacity.

The participants must observe physical distancing and wear masks. They must also be disinfected.

Garcia gave mayors the power to reject applications for events.

For Cebuanos who love to swim, EO 20 allows them to cross LGUs under MGCQ to enjoy the beaches and rivers. But they must follow the health protocol—they must wear masks if they are not yet in the water and they must observe a safe distance.

Garcia said her issuance of EO 20 is not a license for Cebuanos to do all the things they want outside their residences. She issued the order to help her constituents and Cebu's economy get back on their feet amid the province's local coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) epidemic.

Some mass gatherings allowed by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases include entertainment activities such as movie screenings, concerts and sporting events, and religious services and work conferences. But only half of the venues' capacity must be filled. (ANV / MMC)