Despite spike in new COVID-19 cases in Cebu City: No ‘compelling reason’ for GCQ

CEBU, Philippines —  Mayor Edgardo Labella said on Wednesday that he does not see any compelling reason just yet for Cebu City to slide back to general community quarantine (GCQ) despite the continuous rise of new COVID-19 cases.

Per data of the Department of Health (DOH)-7, the city recorded 88 new cases on January 26, 2021 bringing the total active cases to 986.

Based on monitoring of the city’s own Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the city has 971 confirmed active cases spread 62 of its 80 barangays.

The EOC said household infection is now at 44.77 percent while outside transmission is at 55.22 percent.

Labella said the city, which has been under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) since September, has the situation under control with the implementation of the QPass. Some activities allowed under the relaxed quarantine status like cockfighting is still prohibited.

“I don't see any reason because we are also doing our best that even if it's MGCQ, we are not totally complacent. We are still very vigilant,” Labella said during a virtual press conference yesterday.

He said the city did not even allow children between 10 to 15 years old to go out of their homes even with the leeway given by the national Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). President Rodrigo Duterte would later reverse the IATF decision.

Curfew

Meanwhile, Labella said he will “seriously consider” the recommendation of the City Police Office to bring down to 10 p.m. the existing 11 p.m. curfew in the city.

However, he will have to meet with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry before making a decision.

“I understand the concern of the police, but what is also important is to seriously consider the economic dimension of the city... I will first have to consult with the business sector,” Labella said.

In a separate interview with The Freeman, CCCI President Felix Taguiam admitted that an earlier curfew would have an impact on businesses, which have just started to breathe again after months of lockdown in 2020.

“In reality, it will really hurt the night time business owners but our LGU’s aim is to control another situation from happening… We will have to consult our members and come up with a win-win situation,” he said.

He also said that the business sector is doing its part to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“Our economy is slowly ramping up. Advising all concerned to remember and maintain the standard safety protocols, which we have been doing for the past few months. Don't let our guard down. We’re able to control and beat COVID a few months back. We have to move forward and act as one,” Taguiam said.

As regards arrests of violators, Labella said he has advised authorities to listen first to the resident why he/she failed to beat the curfew.

“I advised the police... reasons should always prevail and if the purpose is really important, just allow him,” Labella said.

Labella also advised the police to follow his executive order that allows Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) to be outside during curfew hours as long as they are coming or going to work, and as long as they present their certificate of employment and identification card.

Labella said he will call the attention of City Administrator Floro Casas, Jr. and EOC deputy chief implementer, Councilor Joel Garganera, regarding the situation at the holding area for quarantine violators at the gym in Barangay Tejero.

Photos of The Freeman have shown that violators who were brought to the gym failed to observe physical distancing, which is an irony considering the reason behind their arrest.

“I will call the attention of the EOC and Atty. Casas. They should never abandon our minimum health protocols. It is our basic requirement. We should never, never abandon that and I will call their attention right away,” Labella said.

Garganera, in reaction, said the mayor should also listen to the side of the policemen who handled the violators and those assigned at the holding area.

He said the city is now preparing another barangay gym solely for violators for markets.

Lockdowns

With Secretary Roy Cimatu challenging barangay captains to strengthen the implementation of existing health protocols, Labella said he prefers granular lockdowns if and when necessary.

“Only on certain specified areas because if you say the entire area, I think that's too much a burden… Granular lockdown. I've been initiating this for so many times and it has proven to be very effective,” he added.

He said he has instructed Casas for the city to provide assistance to those in the area, street, building, apartment, or even a subdivision that may be placed on lockdown. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol JMO, (FREEMAN)