FIGHTING COVID-19. Local police and firemen guard a checkpoint in Opong village in Catubig, Northern Samar. The provincial government on Tuesday (April 14, 2020) approved the extension of the general community quarantine to April 30 due to the rising threat of Covid-19. (Photo courtesy of Bureau of Fire Protection)
TACLOBAN CITY – The general community quarantine in Northern Samar (GCQ) has been extended to April 30 due to the rising threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Governor Edwin Marino Ongchuan on Tuesday issued Executive Order (EO) 01-04-20 extending the movement restrictions initially set from March 19 to April 17.
“This is to complement the national government’s efforts in fighting the virus. The extended GCQ is subject to continuing evaluation and assessment by the provincial inter-agency task force on Covid-19,” Ongchuan said in the EO.
With the extended quarantine, the province restricts non-essential entry of people either by land, sea or air, especially those vulnerable to infection, such as the sick and the elderly.
Exempted from the travel ban are health workers, authorized government officials, uniformed personnel, skeletal workforces, cargo vehicles carrying basic commodities, returning residents, those with medical and humanitarian reasons, and the media.
The new directive allows the resumption of business operations except for cockpits, computer shops, beer houses, fitness gyms, resorts, event centers, and similar establishments.
The province-wide daily curfew hours start at 9 a.m. until 4 a.m. However, those 18 years old and below and 65 years old and above are advised to stay indoors at all times.
Ongchuan also ordered mayors to secure their coastal borders and strictly implement the GCQ.
Crew members of cargo vessels carrying goods will be allowed to disembark only within the loading and unloading area of the seaport, observing protocols set by the provincial task force.
Residents are required to wear face masks and other protective equipment outdoors and in public places.
The province also prohibits public gatherings, such as village assemblies, fiestas and festivals, reunions, fairs, concerts, games and sports matches, and religious events.
“Classes in all levels, whether in public or private schools, are also suspended until April 30,” Ongchuan said.
Eastern Visayas’ first confirmed Covid-19 case came from Catarman, Northern Samar.
The recovered patient was discharged last month after succeeding tests showed she was negative of the virus.
The province now has zero cases of Covid-19, with five suspected carriers currently confined to a referral hospital. (PNA)
