(Photo from the Local Government Unit of Malita Facebook Page)
DAVAO CITY – The municipality of Malita in Davao Occidental on Wednesday was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) that will be in effect until October 2.
Mayor Bradly Bautista issued Executive Order 17 or the implementation of MECQ in the said municipality due to the unprecedented rise in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases and the discovery of nine Delta variant cases in the neighboring municipality of Sta. Maria.
“Given the dire situation that the whole province is facing, especially the precariousness of the health situation of Malita, the Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) upon the guidance of the Provincial IATF, deemed it proper to recommend to the PIATF several measures, actions, and requests that would help the task forces in fulfilling the daunting tasks of contact tracing implementation and enforcement of protocols, managing and guarding quarantine control points to minimize movement and to achieve the general objective, which is to stop local transmission and prevent the rise of further Covid-19 positive cases,” Bautista said in the EO.
Under the EO, all residents, non-residents, establishments, and others are directed to observe minimum health standards.
“Only one member per household is allowed to go out for essential purposes. All residents shall use their quarantine passes when going outside for essential purposes while residents and non-residents who are allowed to work shall use their working passes during office hours only,” the EO added.
Only accredited hotels and accommodation establishments that have passed the evaluation of the Municipal Tourism Office, the LGU Safety Seal Team, and the Business Permit and Licensing Office shall be allowed to operate.
The EO added that only outdoor dine-in services are allowed and its operation shall be limited to only 30 percent of the total venue capacity.
“Establishments providing basic and essential needs and services are allowed to accommodate provided that minimum public health standards are strictly observed, including the use of Stay Safe Application,” Bautista said in the EO.
Mass gatherings are also strictly prohibited.
"Establishments who will be found violating these policies shall be dealt with sanctions based on existing ordinances,” the EO said.
Residents of Davao Occidental are permitted entry in the municipality provided that transactions are limited to essential services, and accessing of essential goods only.
Persons below 18 years old and those above 65 years old are required to stay at home except when accessing essential goods and services from permitted establishments and to report for work.
“The No Movement Sunday policy shall still be enforceable and in effect together with the implementation of this executive order,” Bautista added. (PNA)
