Cebu bans dining inside fastfood joints

CEBU, Philippines —  Dining inside food establishments, including fastfood joints, shall no longer be allowed in Cebu to avoid the risk of COVID-19.

Yesterday, March 23, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announced at a press conference that she will soon be releasing another executive order serving as a mitigating measure against COVID-19.

Garcia said that this new preventive restriction will be effective after 24 hours for fastfood chains and restaurants.

"Dili na tugtan ang dine in. Dili na pwede adto molingkod kay mokaon," she said.

Those who wish to buy from food establishments must use delivery features or drive-thru.

While Garcia said that the Capitol is still studying allowing in-store orders, she stressed that it may still pose danger since customers will still be made to enter in a closed space.

It can be recalled that in her Executive Order No. 5-G, Garcia has banned any gathering of more than 20 people.

As for karenderias and small-scale restaurants in Cebu’s towns, Garcia said they will be given 48 hours to prepare for the fulfillment of the logistical requirements of the upcoming EO.

At the same press conference, Garcia lambasted a fast-food chain in Danao City for hosting a birthday celebration despite the effectivity of EO 5-G.

"Unsa na man lang gyud kahakog ninyo ug negosyo? Kwarta lang gyud inyong gihuna-huna karong panahona? Namilegro na ang kinabuhi sa mga Sugboanon," she addressed the franchise’s management.

The violation came to Garcia’s attention after a report from a concerned resident was submitted to her. She disclosed that she will be meeting with the management of the franchise within the week.

Meanwhile, Garcia clarified that all the COVID-19 mitigation measures will remain operational until further notice. The provisions were initially just set to last for 30 days.

So far, there is only one reported case of COVID-19 in the Cebu: a 65-year-old male confined in a hospital in Mandaue City. JMD (FREEMAN)