NUEVA VALENCIA, Guimaras – Mayor Emmanuel Galila issued Executive Order No. 20 “restricting the movement of persons, limiting the operation of business establishments and imposing a liquor ban” as precautionary measures against the further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Infections were rising in the province, which is now considered a high-risk area for coronavirus transmission, according to Galila.
As of May 26, Guimaras’ active COVID-19 cases climbed to 82 and its death toll at eight.
Of these 82 cases, 11 were from this town; 33 from Jordan; 24 from Buenavista; eight from Sibunag; and six from San Lorenzo.
Since the pandemic started last year, Guimaras cumulative cases hit 515, with 425 that recovered.
Thus in Nueva Valencia now, except for hospitals and funeral parlors, the operation of essential business establishments such as the public market, groceries, convenience stores, sari-sari stores, pharmacies, gasoline stations, water refilling stations, banks, money centers, clinics, hospitals, health facilities, funeral parlor, construction supplies, motorcycle / auto supplies, agricultural / poultry supplies, food establishments and public utilities shall be from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. only.
The sale, transport and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
The operation of public utility vehicles and tricycles shall be limited from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. only.
Staying home is strongly encouraged.
The movement of persons shall be limited to accessing goods and services from permitted establishments, for work in such establishments, or for such essential activities.
Persons below 18 years old ,and those over 65 years old, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity or other health risks, and pregnant women shall be required to remain in their residences at all time, except for obtaining essential goods and services or for work in industries and offices or such other essential activities.
In another executive order, Galila adopted the Inter-Agency Task Force’s omnibus guidelines in the implementation of community quarantine in the Philippines strictly regulating gatherings and prohibiting gambling during funeral wakes.
Gatherings outside of residences shall be prohibited except those that are considered essential for the provision of health services, government services, or humanitarian activities authorized by the appropriate government agency.
Gatherings at residences with any person outside of one’s immediate household is not allowed.
Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, and funerals shall be allowed up to 30 percent of the venue’s capacity, provided further that the same shall be with full compliance with the prescribed minimum public health standards for the duration of the activity.
Gambling is prohibited during funeral wakes.
Participation in a wake shall be limited to immediate family members./PN
