This Week in Cebu (October 4 to 10, 2020)

The Queen City of the South has logged seven new coronavirus disease cases last September 26. The cases were recorded in the last 20 days, making it the lowest number of additional COVID-19 cases in Cebu City. Meanwhile, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu City also recorded seven new coronavirus cases each. Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, the deputy chief implementer of the city’s Emergency Operations Center, reminded the citizens to continue wearing masks in public spaces and observe the rest of the health measures [1].

Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) reopened to the public after more than five months of closure due to the pandemic, but only for 14 hours each day. The bus terminal will have its operations from 5:00 AM until 7:00 PM, according to CSBT Manager Carmen Quijano. Passengers of the bus are discouraged from taking a bus ride along the highway and are directed to head to the terminal to avoid infection or any health risks.

The terminal also enforces health and safety protocols such as mandatory use of face masks and face shields, proper social distancing, checking of body temperatures, and sanitation of feet and hands at the entrance of the facility. Commuters are also required to show identification cards and travel passes before traveling [2].

To prevent local transmission in public areas, The Inter-Agency Task Force’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has implemented more stringent protocols in supermarkets in Cebu City. This protocol was enforced after it had been discovered that at least 30 COVID-19 patients had gone to grocery stores. Under the implemented measure, the number of grocery shoppers inside the stores will be limited. Also, the EOC plans to prohibit people 60 years old and above and 21 years old and below from entering supermarkets and grocery stores [3].

The University of Cebu Medical Center (UCMed) has lowered the price of its reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) swab testing to PhP5,000. The lowered price is for both walk-ins and drive-through services. RT-PCR results are delivered within 24 to 48 hours from the date of the test [4].

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