Border control

When a spike in the COVID-19 cases broke out in Cebu City, the immediate response of Mayor Edgar Labella was to enforce strict border control. This meant that every passerby, those driving a vehicle would once again be subjected to mandatory checks by the police. This already dwindled when the city’s quarantine status was downgraded to Modified General Community Quarantine about two months back. The immediate effect of the mayor’s order was horrendous traffic.

Coming from the north, it was horror going to Cebu City. The traffic jam reached the main thoroughfares of Mandaue City and maybe even to some parts of Consolacion. The slow inspection that hampered everyone’s busy pace led to a more dreadful morning and I fear that it will continue. There is no doubt in the intention of the mayor to bring back the city’s cases to a low but is strict border control the solution?

Some sources say that the spike came from confined settings such as the city jail, the social welfare department, and many others.

If this is the case, then I don’t think it is the fault of the whole city. Back when environment Secretary Roy Cimatu was so hands-on in the city’s COVID response, he lobbied for granular lockdowns which meant only choosing certain areas to be cordoned off. If we are so concerned about transmission, I don’t think that happens as those from outside the city came in.

The best solution for me is to put a heavy hand and keep tabs on business establishments if they are enforcing proper health protocols. Not only them, but to workplaces as well. These could be the possible areas where infection could take place. And if they are so worried about different people going out of their homes and not observing the proper protocols, then they should bring back the patrolling of the police and other authorities to apprehend those who go out for no essential business.

I think that in the past months with the intervention of the national government, we have already learned our lesson. Now is not the time to move backwards but instead go forward as we try to live with the virus. We are sick and tired of living in a bubble with no proper enforcement at all. Our economy needs to resuscitate and thrive. The virus has done so much.

There is no doubt that the mayor is a good person, as I know him personally. But in times like these, we need more than just good intentions and traits but decisions that will shape our city. Take note that we are the Queen City of the South, a leader in many ways and aspects. We shouldn’t let our guards down and let anybody down.