TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – Mayor Allan Rellon signed an executive order placing the entire city under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) which will take effect at 12:01 AM of May 16, 2020, Saturday.
Under Executive Order 2020 – 45, Rellon eased some of the restrictions placed upon the city when it was placed under an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
Some businesses and offices will now be allowed to open but must follow social distancing and sanitary protocols such as mandatory face mask for customers, foot baths in entrances, regular disinfection of surfaces, availability of alcohol and hand sanitizers and temperature scanning.
Industries and business still not allowed to operate are gyms/fitness studios and sports facilities, entertainment industries (e.g., cinemas, theaters, karaoke bars, etc.); kid amusement industries (e.g., playroom, rides); libraries, archives, museums and cultural centers; tourist destinations (e.g., water parks, beaches, resorts); travel agencies, tour operators, reservation service and related activities; gambling and betting such as but not limited to cockfighting, casinos and the like; and personal care services (e.g., massage parlors, sauna, facial care, waxing, etc.).
Those under the age of 21 and over the age of 60 are still prohibited to go out of their homes. A quarantine pass is still needed by residents when going out of the residences.
Classes and all academic activities as well as all religious and socio-civic/cultural activities that would gather a large group of people are also suspended.
Public transport is now allowed but only on a 50% passenger loading capacity. Private vehicles are only allowed four passengers including the driver.
The city is still maintaining its earlier ban on the sale, purchase and public consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Curfew hours have been eased. From the ECQ’s 6am to 6pm, the new curfew hours are from 5AM to 9PM.
The city added that it will still maintain its strict border control to prevent the entry of the virus in the city.
As of May 14, Tagum City has 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 9 recoveries and 1 death. (Rommel F. Lopez)