Labella orders massive disinfection of streets

CEBU, Philippines —  While Cebu City is under a state of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the city government will conduct massive disinfection in the streets during nighttime as part of efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Department of Public Services headed by lawyer John Jigo Dacua was instructed to conduct the massive disinfection.

“Atty. Jigo Dacua will see to it nga samtang effective ning ato karong enhanced community quarantine, magpadayon ang atong pag-disinfect sa nagkalain-laing mga kadalanan sa Dakbayan sa Sugbo (He will ensure that street disinfection will continue while the ECQ is in place),” said Mayor Edgardo Labella.

Dacua said the city-wide disinfection will last until the state of ECQ is lifted or withdrawn. Under Labella’s executive order, the enhanced quarantine is to last until April 28 or unless withdrawn by the mayor.

Meanwhile, Labella sent a letter to Cebu Bankers Club requesting it to continue operating despite the recent declaration.

He said the bankers group should inform its member-banks about his request. With this regard, banks may implement skeletal work force and strict observation of social distancing measures, he said.

He added that banks should adapt uniform operating hours.

Labella also sent a memorandum to Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) regarding border control exemptions.

The memorandum enumerates those who are exempted from the presentation of ECQ passes. Among others are the officials and businesses by the provincial government of Cebu, Mandaue City government, and Lapu-Lapu City government.

Those who will be granted entry in the city without securing ECQ passes are the provincial governor, vice governor, and board members; justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and Sandiganbayan; Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman; farmers, fishermen, agri-business and other food producers or suppliers; persons involved in medical services; emergency responders; security service personnel; and members of the media, among others.

These personnel are only required to present appropriate identification documents. JMD (FREEMAN)