ILOILO City – The city government again prohibited non-essential mass gatherings which took effect yesterday 6 p.m., following the continuous rise of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
This and other additional health interventions, stipulated under Executive Order No. 39-A-2021 issued May 12 which amended the previously issued order, are effective until April 19.
Non-essential mass gatherings include the purely recreational, or that which is not for medical and/or humanitarian intentions.
Religious gatherings and wedding and baptism ceremonies are subject to the 30 percent maximum venue/seating capacity.
For wakes and funeral services, only attendees allowed are the deceased person’s immediate family and relatives up to the third degree of consanguinity. Wakes should also be held indoors with proper ventilation and with no more than 15 persons visiting at a time.
The maximum number of days for conducting the wake shall be three days across all settings. Minimum public health protocols such as wearing face masks and face shields, frequent hand washing and physical distancing must be observed at all times.
The new order also prohibits the operation of entertainment venues such as karaoke bars, bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters; fairs/peryas, kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom and kiddie rides; cockfighting and operation of cockpits, except for the sole purpose of conducting e-sabong licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Food establishments shall observe a 30 percent dine-in capacity, while public outdoor and indoor swimming pools, hotels, and other establishments with swimming amenities shall prohibit access of persons/guests thereto.
As to work arrangement, private establishments and offices are enjoined to operate at 30 percent working capacity while encouraging work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements.
Agencies and instrumentalities of the government are likewise enjoined to operate at thirty-percent (30%) on-site capacity as determined by the head of agency, in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
“Work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements entailing lower numbers of employees working onsite are still highly encouraged,” Treñas said.
For Iloilo City Government employees, Department Heads are directed to adopt work arrangements that entail only 30% percent onsite capacity if possible.
From May 1 to 12, the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) logged 309 confirmed cases of COVID infection, 141.41 percent higher than the previous month in the same period.
Data also showed a 133.33 percent increase in the daily average cases of COVID-19 from May 1 to 11.
43 COVID-19 DEATHS SINCE JANUARY 2021
Meanwhile, the city government has expressed alarm over the death toll related to COVID-19 this year.
City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU-CHO) recorded a total of 43 deaths from January to May, a far cry from the lone deaths recorded from March to May last year when the pandemic started.
The metropolis posted a 2.46% mortality rate, higher than 1.67 national rate as of May 12 bulletin of the Department of Health.
There were 28 deaths directly caused by COVID-19.
There were 11 who died due to comorbidities but also tested positive of COVID-19.
Four are awaiting verification pending death certificate.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas urged Ilonggos to protect themselves, families, co-workers and the public by being conscious of preventive measures.
“There’s an urgent need to be vigilant and not complacent. Isolate when you feel sick. Report to barangay those with symptoms. Seek early medical attention if not feeling well,” Treñas said.
Officials, authorities and medical experts reiterated strict observance and enforcement of health safety protocols such as wearing of face mask, physical distancing, and avoiding mass gatherings and non-essential travels./PN (with reports from Iloilo City PIO)
