This Week in Cebu (May 17 to 23, 2020)

As part of the effort to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, areas in Cebu that recorded localized outbreaks have been placed on lockdown immediately. The Cebu City Jail was one of the areas on lockdown since March 13 [1]. Sitio Alaska, Barangay Mambaling, and Sitio Zapatera were also placed under this quarantine level [2].

In the data released by the Department of Health Region 7, Cebu province has a total of 1,784 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of May 10, 2020. 1,566 of these cases came from Cebu’s capital, Cebu City [3]. Repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and healthcare workers are also among the infected.

Before the resumption of air travel, preparations of measures for the “new normal” ramp up in the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). The airport facility prioritized health and safety measures for travelers and airport staff following the guidelines by the Department of Transportation. The use of face masks, mandatory body temperature checks, social distancing in queuing points, and the one-seat-apart policy in waiting areas must be adhered to by passengers and airport employees. Before entering terminals, MCIA staff will also require passengers to sanitize their hands and disinfect their shoes [4].

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 announced that fares for various modes of public transportation will increase. Non-airconditioned buses will charge passengers PhP11 instead of the previous PhP9 for the first five kilometers. Meanwhile, PhP13 for the first five kilometers will be charged in air-conditioned buses. Modern jeepneys will have a base fee of PhP11 for the first four kilometers [5].

Note that the vulnerable sector still won’t be allowed to board public vehicles during the general community quarantine (GCQ). Passengers will also be required to show their IDs. Transportation guidelines—including carrying only 50 percent of the vehicle’s original capacity, sanitation in terminals, and the use of thermal scanner and masks in buses—have to be followed by operators and passengers.

Cinnamon bread, whole wheat bread, and soya milk will now be available for delivery in different areas in Cebu City. Miller Health Foods, which is located within Adventist Hospital Cebu, has announced on its Facebook page the delivery hotlines and coverage areas for customers to avail. The minimum order starts at PhP100 and the delivery fee will be PhP45. These are the areas available for delivery:

• Sambag I and II

• Ramos

• Capitol Site

• Banawa

• Guadalupe

• Mambaling

• Labangon

• Tisa

• Punta Prinsesa

The company can be reached through any of the following delivery hotlines: 261 2100, 0943 249 9004, and 0951 785 2249. They are open from Sunday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM [7].

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), countries have to be extremely vigilant when lifting lockdown rules while the outbreak is still ongoing around the world. In line with this, the organization released guidelines on how countries should reopen offices and schools. Workplaces should maintain physical distance between employees, conduct regular disinfecting, and use teleworking if possible. Schools also should ensure that students can practice social distancing during play hours and decide whether some children can learn from home [8].

Go to Yoorekka for more COVID-19 updates in Cebu.