KALIBO, Aklan – In a bid to suppress the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the province of Aklan has been placed under “enhanced community quarantine” on March 23 until April 14.
Gov. Florencio Miraflores issued Executive Order No. 20, series of 2020 on March 22, which enforces stricter preventive measures against the virus. The move immediately came after Western Visayas recorded two positive cases of the COVID-19.
The governor ordered the closure of all public and private offices, business and commercial establishments in the province, except for the following:
*banks and non-bank financial
institutions
*gasoline stations, which includes stores selling liquefied petroleum gas
*shipping and cargo handling companies
*public utilities (energy, power, telecommunications, water)
*public and private transportation
*funeral services
*media establishments
Other establishments that are deemed essential for the health and welfare of the public are also allowed to operate. The following are:
*convenience stores
*supermarkets
*restaurants and fast food chain (takeout and delivery only)
*pharmacies
*water refilling stations
*agricultural stores
*public markets
In response to the fast spreading virus, Miraflores also placed an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew to more than 600,000 residents of Aklan. The ones exempted are emergency responders, medical staff, security services, and delivery personnel of agricultural, food and food products.
No alcohol may be served, consumed or sold also from March 23 to April 14 in any establishments.
Amid the overwhelming approaches that COVID-19 has caused, it is crucial to know the state of supply of the basic and prime commodities in this province for the next 30 days.
The Aklanons are becoming increasingly concerned facing shortages on products such as fish, rice, corn, meat, chicken, pork, and medicines among others.
Residents are also rushing to local supermarkets, drugstores, and superstores to stock up on both basic and essential supplies, along with prescribed medications that will last for up to two weeks.
Market hours in this province are only from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On social media, Aklanons are calling for assurances that their respective local government officials are “fully prepared” at the height of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The impact of tourism on the world-famous Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan due to the said virus, on the other hand, has been evident.
Normally at this time of the year, Boracay is at its peak of being invaded by tourists, most of whom are from mainland China.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
