NUEVA VALENCIA, Guimaras – Due to surges in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections here, collection activities of microfinance companies and money lending institutions are temporarily banned “until further notice.”
Mayor Emmanuel Galila issued the order on Aug. 18.
“Only highly essential business establishments shall be allowed to operate. However, it has come to the attention of this office that agents of lending institutions have been conducting collection activities in the barangays, thus compromising the containment efforts,” read part of Galila’s Executive Order (EO) No. 32.
The EO restricts movements of persons and operation of businesses as a precautionary measure.
There are exemptions. These are hospitals, funeral parlors, markets, groceries/convenience stores, pharmacies, gasoline stations, water refilling stations, banks, money centers, clinics, health facility construction supplies, motorcycle/auto supplies, agricultural/poultry supplies, and food establishments.
But their operation is limited – from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. only.
Dine-in services in food establishments are suspended, too.
Galila also ordered a strict “stay at home” policy.
“The movement of all persons shall be limited,” he said.
Persons below 18 years old, those above 64 years old, those with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities, and pregnant women shall be required to remain in their houses at all times, except for obtaining essential goods and services, or for work in industries and offices or such other essential activities.
As of Aug. 18, Nueva Valencia had 130 active COVID-19 cases in barangays Salvacion (71), Lucmayan (11), Pandaraonan (nine), Poblacion (nine), Igdarapdap (seven), Lanipe (five), Magamay (five), Cabalagnan (four), La Paz (three), Calaya (one), Canhawan (one), Concordia Sur (one), Igang (one), Oracon (one), and San Roque (one)./PN
