27.8 C
Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

3:37 AM

27.8 C
Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

3:37 AM

Precautionary methods vs COVID-19 beefed up in CDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Precautionary methods against Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19 here are being intensified as Mayor Oscar S. Moreno declares temporary closure to all mall operations including cinemas, internet cafes and night markets, bars and all places of entertainment, and a city-wide curfew beginning March 17.

Moreno admits that people want a lockdown in the city but he argues that “If we do that, we are the hub of Northern Mindanao. We have hospitals, schools and establishments.”

“CDO is a convergence city and people from the provinces – Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon,Lanao del Norte- come primarily for medical reasons like dialysis and operation among others.” Moreno explained.

The intensified measures against the spread of the virus are an option in lieu of the community quarantine that most Kagay-anons clamor for.

“I know many of you wants lockdown so that others cannot come in which I understand. I fully agree on that, however, it is not easy to do. Technically if you say lockdown, no one can come in or come out, but it’s not practicable,” Moreno said.

He further explains that given the geographical location of Cagayan de Oro City, it is not viable to have a lockdown since it is the hub of the region.

“What is important is to really stay home. Let us all impose restrictions upon ourselves,” he said.

“What we will do is to remove the reason of non-essential activities that is why malls are being closed and curfew will be implemented,” Moreno added.

Checkpoints will also be implemented with thermal scanning.

Starting March 17, all mall operations, internet cafes within or outside the mall areas and cogon and westbound terminal night market and café will be temporarily closed until further notice, and the 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. curfew will be implemented all throughout the city with the implementation of Executive Order No. 48-2020.

The executive order also indicates that exempted from the mall closure are grocery stores, pharmacies, 24/7 convenience stores, hardware store, health clinic, diagnostic centers and laboratories, and restaurant.

Also a curfew shall not be applicable to 24/7 stores, store near or in terminals, pharmacies and other similar establishments; employees working in establishments that falls within curfew hours; health workers; authorized government officials; those travelling for medical or humanitarian reasons; 

Person transiting to seaports and terminals; persons providing basic services and public utilities; persons delivering foods and medicines; and essential skeletal workforce of the City Government of Cagayan de Oro City.

With the implementation of the said executive order, Moreno expects the full cooperation of the public and establishments to contain any threat of COVID-19 in the city.  (JAKA/PIA10)