JORDAN, Guimaras – The extended modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in Guimaras is beneficial to the island province, according to Vice Gov. John Edward Gando.
This would make Guimarasnons continuously compliant to public health safety protocols, he explained.
The extension of Guimaras’ MGCQ up to Jan. 31, 2021 was announced on Monday night by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Gando said the announcement was expected, noting that no area in the country has been declared to be under the “new normal” status already.
He also pointed out the high risk of surges in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) this holiday season.
In Western Visayas, all towns, provinces and cities – with the exception of Iloilo City – will remain under MGCQ until Jan. 31, 2021.
Iloilo City will still be under the stricter GCQ until the end of next month, unless extended further or lifted much earlier.
Gando urged Guimarasnons to continue wearing facemasks and face shields in public, observe physical distancing and proper hand washing.
“Ginatutokan gid namon ang implementation sang health standards,” he told Panay News.
Gando also discouraged people from going to crowded areas to avoid COVID-19 transmission.
“As much as possible indi magkadto sa mga lugar nga puno sang tawo bala. I-avoid kon indi importante,” he stressed.
The vice governor expressed confidence Guimaras would be able to maintain its low number of COVID-19 cases.
As of Dec. 28, Guimaras’ COVID-19 cases hit 244 (cumulative figure) with four deaths.
But with 231 cases having recovered, it currently has nine active cases left.
“Always be mindful of the limitations or restrictions imposed by the government para matapna ang pagsaka sang COVID-19 cases sa probinsya,” said Gando.
The provincial government prohibited Christmas parties and caroling this holiday season as precautionary measures against the spread of the disease./PN
