This Week in Cebu and Bohol (April 25 to May 1, 2021)

Anyone who will be caught violating health and safety protocols such as not wearing face masks will be reprimanded by the Cebu City Government [1]. As stated in the City Ordinance 2566, violators will be fined PhP500 for their first offense, PhP1,000 for the second offense, and PhP3,000 for the final offense. However, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announced her plan to abolish the fines as she believes that it would be enough to remind violators of the health protocols.

In Tagbilaran City, the government strictly requires its residents to wear both a face mask and a medical face shield when entering public markets and government offices [2]. Boholanos who will be caught violating the protocol will face a fine ranging from PhP3,000 to PhP5,000. Meanwhile, residents who have been caught multiple times will face imprisonment of up to six months.

On April 19, Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City launched vaccinations for senior citizens, the next individuals on the priority list. As of April 22, 3,000 senior citizens in Cebu City have received a dose. The vaccination program was held at Robinsons Galleria and the University of Cebu Banilad [3]. Cebu City Health Department (CHD) Officer-in-Charge Jeffrey Ibones mentioned that there were more than 50 volunteers who came without prior registration but were still given the vaccine. Walk-ins are discouraged as a safety protocol, and Ibones advised senior citizens who want to be vaccinated against the virus to register online at www.PABAKUNATA.com, the Vaccine Advisory Board’s website for vaccinating Cebuanos.

However, as of April 23, the vaccination has been halted due to a shortage of vaccines [4]. Ibones expressed hope that the city would receive more vaccines so the program can be restarted.

Go to Yoorekka for more information on the types of vaccines administered in Cebu and Bohol and more health articles.