VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)–Valencia City Mayor Azucena Huervas signed Executive Order No. 19 (EO 19) placing the entire city under community quarantine from 6 p.m. Monday, March 16-29, amid the threat of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
This came after the mayor convened the members of Task Force Against COVID-19 for an emergency meeting with the doctors, medics, hospital administrators and medical directors in Valencia City.
“In view of limited resources of the government and private hospitals, we need to enforce rigid rules to restrict the movement of persons in order to control the rising number of Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs) and the upsurge of residents coming home from abroad or other parts of the country—especially those coming from places with recorded COVID-19 cases,” Huervas said.
EO 19 states that travelers are required to undergo health screening at designated “health checkpoints” manned by the Philippine National Police and Task Force COVID19 composite team in accordance with the protocols and guidelines of the Department of Health (DOH).
Prior to this declaration, Huervas ordered all public and private schools to suspend classes at all levels for two weeks from March 16 to 29. Hence, EO 19 cited that classes and all school activities shall remain suspended while ensuring that students stay at home.
The order further specified that students loitering in malls or crowded areas during school hours shall be sent home.
The curfew for unaccompanied minors—as stipulated in the City Children’s Welfare Code—that starts at 10:00 p.m. and ends at 4:00 a.m. shall be strictly implemented.
The city also urged religious leaders to temporarily suspend church service or worships involving mass gatherings, including fiesta celebrations.
In an interview, Huervas clarified that Valencia City is not under lockdown because business establishments shall remain open except recreation facilities and other entertainment and amusement sites.
Likewise, the movement of cargoes and goods to and from Valencia City shall be unhampered subject to proper screening at ‘health checkpoints’ through DOH protocols.
Huervas said there is a need to place the entire city under community quarantine to avert the spread of the virus, compel residents to stay at home and observe proper hygiene.
The mayor also urged the people to cooperate with the government and keep Valencia City free from COVID-19. (BGR/PIA10)
