By Marie Tonette Marticio
TACLOBAN City - In order to continue protecting the people of Eastern Samar from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Governor Ben Evardone has extended the general community quarantine (GCQ) being implemented in the province until April 30.
The governor stressed the need to sustain the province’s zero COVID-19 record by strengthening and reinforcing checkpoints in all entry points to the province including Taft, Lawaan, Arteche, and Jipapad, as well as the coastlines considering that there were confirmed cases reported in Western and Northern Samar.
"Consistent with the directive of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the no sail policy shall be enforced within the coastlines of Eastern Samar except those provided by the Inter-agency task force guidelines," he said.
The importation and exportation of goods and commodities shall not be allowed without a valid permit from concerned government agencies.
However, Evardone set modifications in inter-municipality arrangements by allowing travel of essential goods and people, and return to work of daily wage earners, fishermen, farmers, and construction workers provided they practice social distancing and other health protocols.
All business establishments and industries that were allowed to resume operations were ordered to have minimal deployment, skeletal workforce or alternative work arrangements wherein none of their workers shall need to travel in and out of the province.
"These are necessary changes to sustain our economic activities and provide employment of our people without sacrificing our efforts to prevent the entry of this virus to our province," he added.
The governor said they would continue to observe health protocols like mandatory wearing of masks in public places, social distancing, ban on mass gatherings, among others.
"I appeal for your understanding and support in our fight against COVID-19," he said.
Meanwhile, Borongan City Mayor Jose Dayan Agda has also extended the capital city's enhanced community quarantine until further notice.