CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – The local government of Puerto Galera has imposed a new set of curfew hours for minors, adults and senior citizens in its bid to increase the operational hours of business, and boost the local economy, starting Thursday, January 21.
Under Executive Order No. 08-2021, persons 14 years old and below, and 60 years old and above should stay inside their respective residences from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Those 15 to 59 years-old will still be permitted to go outside their residences until 12 a.m., after which, they should be at home and will no longer be allowed to go out until 5 a.m.
Exempted from the curfew for both categories are those who are buying or accessing foods and basic necessities, reporting for work or availing of medical treatment.
Puerto Galera Mayor Rocky D. Ilagan said his executive order shall take effect immediately after he signed it on January 21.
The economy of Puerto Galera, a premiere tourist destination, has reeled from the quarantine restrictions that were imposed since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic started in March last year.
Ilagan said the local municipal health office has recorded only eight positive cases of COVID-19 from January to December 2020, and five cases this month, which could be attributed to the sudden influx of returning residents and undocumented tourists from Luzon mainland.