GUIMARAS – If cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continue to drop, the provincial government may resume welcoming leisure travelers to the island province.
As of Oct. 29, Guimaras’ active COVID-19 cases dropped to 59, data from the provincial government showed.
These active cases were in Buenavista (20), Jordan (13), Nueva Valencia (12), San Lorenzo (seven), and Sibunag (seven).
According to Vice Gov. John Edward Gando, if the drop in cases is sustained, Gov. Samuel Gumarin may issue an executive order allowing leisure travel for non-residents.
“Ginatan-aw ta ang posibilidad nga magbukas gid kita sa masunod nga semana,” said Gando.
Here’s the breakdown of the active cases per municipality:
* Buenavista – barangays San Nicolas (three), New Poblacion (three), Magsaysay (three), Piña (three), Tinadtaran (two), San Fernando (two), Avila (one), East Valencia (one), Getulio (one), Salvacion (one)
* Jordan – barangays Sta. Teresa (four), Alaguisoc (three), San Miguel (three), Hoskyn (one), Poblacion (one), Morobuan (one)
* San Lorenzo – barangays Cabano (two), M. Chavez (two), Constancia (one), Sebario (one), Tamborong (one)
* Sibunag – barangays Maabay (two), Alegria (one), Dasal (one), Millan (one), Oracon Norte (one), Ravina (one)
* Nueva Valencia – barangays Concordia (three), Igang (two), Lanipe (two), Poblacion (two), Salvacion (two), Cabalagnan (one)
As of Oct. 2,922 cases have recovered while 154 died.
Last week, Governor Gumarin issued Executive Order No. 44 further easing community containment measures. It extended further the operating hours of businesses.
Effective Nov. 1, 2021 all business establishments in the province are allowed to open from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m. Pharmacies may open from 4 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Hospitals and funeral parlors are exempted from the said business hour limitations.
However, entertainment and amusement venues such as but not limited to recreation centers, karaoke bars, bars, clubs, billiard centers, internet cafes and computer shops shall remain closed.
Food establishments and resorts in the island are allowed to accommodate dine-in clients but at 50 percent only of their venues’ capacity only.
Resorts and tourist destinations can accept visitors who are residents of Guimaras only.
Further, only hotels or accommodation establishments with valid accreditation from the Department of Tourism can operate at 50 percent of their capacity.
Cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops and other gambling establishments except those that are authorized by the Inter-Agency Task Force or the Office of the President, are not allowed to operate.
Sea vessels may operate from 4 a.m. until 7 p.m. while public utility vehicles are allowed to operate from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Mass and social gatherings that will compromise the minimum health standard are prohibited while religious gatherings are allowed up to 50 percent of the venue’s capacity./PN
