ILOILO – This province and the city of Iloilo are taking a break from “beach breaks” this Holy Week.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and Mayor Jerry Treñas issued separate directives suspending the operation of all tourism spaces like beaches, resorts and parks to prevent large gatherings and thus curb coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmissions.
From April 1 to 4, the operation of recreation facilities in tourism establishments shall be suspended, per Defensor’s Executive Order No. 114, Series of 2021.
These facilities include swimming pools, cottages, beaches, playgrounds, game rooms, and function rooms, among others.
The operation of establishments such as, but not limited to, beach resorts, inland resorts, water parks, amusement parks, ecological parks, and hotels in the province were temporarily suspended.
Defensor, however, exempted facilities that provide “basic board and lodging services (room and meals)” to Authorized Persons Outside of their Residences (APORs), returning or repatriated overseas Filipino workers and other overseas Filipinos returning to their places of residence, and returning residents.
Swimming and other recreation activities in public beaches and inland waters here shall also be prohibited, the governor added.
“It is necessary to implement additional and adjusted community quarantine measures during the season of Lent to prevent the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), considering the anticipated customary gatherings that may transpire,” said Defensor.
With the temporary suspension, the public should be encouraged to just stay home and “see the (Lenten break) as a chance para makaupod sang tanan ang ila pamilya sa pag-reflect.”
To ensure compliance with the directive, Defensor enjoined personnel of the Philippine National Police and local taskforce to conduct patrolling, inspection and exercise visitorial power in their areas of assignments.
In Iloilo City, Mayor Treñas ordered suspension of beaches, resorts and waterparks’ operations effective immediately until Easter Sunday, April 4.
“It is necessary to establish additional protocols considering the traditional activities that take place during (Lent) which has the potential of increasing viral transmission,” Treñas’ Executive Order No. 029 read.
Moreover, religious activities are also being limited while game arcades in the city are also temporarily suspended.
The city remains under modified general community quarantine; the COVID-19 cases here are rising. Data from the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit showed that as of March 25, the city still had 335 active cases left
Treñas’ executive order adopted the health protocols prescribed under the Inter-Agency Task Force Resolution No. 105 for the conduct of Holy Week 2021.
These included, among others, the imposition of a maximum indoor seating capacity of 50 percent.
Non-essential gatherings are only allowed with maximum participants of either 30 percent of capacity or 50 individuals only.
No gatherings and conduct of religious activities will be allowed outside the church while strict implementation of health protocols during religious congregation and denomination must be observed.
Moreover, the conduct of individual confession is discouraged. Touching and kissing of devotional and other sacred objects, home visitations by the “apostles” as well as devotional processions are also not allowed.
The city mayor encouraged worshippers to avail themselves of services via online platforms.
Also, all private establishments are highly encouraged to adopt alternative work arrangements.
Meanwhile, establishments housing their staff in a common area are also enjoined to observe health protocols such as avoid overcrowding, discourage food sharing, prohibit sharing of utensils and other personal items, among others./PN
