Governor allows religious gatherings of not more than 10 people

CEBU, Philippines — While it is not encouraged, regulated religious gatherings are, nevertheless, already allowed in Cebu province under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

This is stated in Executive Order 17-A which was signed yesterday, May 27, by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The new EO amends Section 4 or the Prohibited Activities of Executive Order 17 Series of 2020 which lays down the standards and protocols for GCQ.

Despite this, religious gatherings will still be limited to 10 persons at a time, the new order says.

Also allowed in the amendment are gatherings for the provision of "critical" government services. This is so long as minimum health standards previously established in the province will be adhered to.

Social gatherings, tourism activities, and gambling activities remain prohibited under GCQ.

Also considered prohibited mass gatherings are movie screenings, concerts, sporting activities and events, and community gatherings.

While the province has begun its transition to GCQ from the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) last May 16, protocols under EO 17 have been implemented last May 20.

This is apart from Mandaue City which opted to remain under ECQ and Talisay City which transitioned to a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

The GCQ is set to last until May 31 as per the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases.

It could be recalled that Garcia placed the entire province under ECQ since March in a proactive move to prevent the spread of the coronavirus into the component towns and cities of Cebu.

Garcia has since issued a slew of executive orders setting out the guidelines and protocols in the movement of persons and commodities across the province.

As for Cebu City, Mayor Edgardo Labella has said that the decision to lift ECQ will depend on the recommendation of the IATF. The ECQ in the city will also expire this May 31.  JMD (FREEMAN)