CONTACT sports is now allowed in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu as long as the players and spectators are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Basketball is the popular contact sports played in barangays not just in the city, but also in other parts of the Philippines. Volleyball is also a favorite pastime team sports in sitios. These two sports are also played in commercial leagues in Metro Manila.
Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said on Nov. 18, 2021, that he already allowed the holding of contact sports could encourage unvaccinated city residents to avail themselves of the Covid-19 vaccines.
However, the mayor said teams cannot play if they do not have vaccination cards.
They also need to obtain permit to engage in contact sports, even on a simple basketball game, Chan said in a press release posted on the Facebook page of Lapu-Lapu City Public Information Office (PIO).
Chan further said the spectators must also present their vaccination cards before they are allowed to enter gyms.
He said gyms can accommodate their full capacity, for as long as everyone is vaccinated and health protocols, like wearing face masks, are followed.
The PIO did not state in its press release whether the Mayor has already issued an executive order or still has to issue it.
The town of Consolacion in northern Cebu has allowed basketball with restrictions.
Last Nov. 10, Consolacion Mayor Joannes Alegado issued an executive order for the resumption of basketball games in the town; however, only fully vaccinated persons who are 18 years old and above are allowed to play in barangay gyms.
The Cebu City Government still has to release guidelines for the resumption of contact sports in the city.
Emergency Operations Center deputy chief implementer City Councilor Joel Garganera said in an earlier report that health experts and city authorities have agreed to allow only fully vaccinated individuals to participate in contact sports. Barangays, he said, can also choose to not allow contact sports if they still have problems with Covid-19 cases.
Entire Cebu is under Alert Level 2, which relaxes restrictions on age-based mobility and on-site gatherings, among others. The government’s alert level system replaced the old quarantine classifications.