CEBU CITY—There is no need to shift to a stricter community quarantine despite the increasing number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases here, City Mayor Edgardo Labella said Wednesday, January 27.
"I don’t see any compelling reason why we should go back to GCQ (general community quarantine). After all, our MGCQ (modified general community quarantine) is controlled and we still require quarantine passes and we still prevent crowding," said Labella in a virtual press conference.
Labella said even if the city was already in a less strict quarantine, health protocols were still being strictly enforced.
Labella said he also opposed the proposal to let minors to go out of their houses because this could result in the virus spreading further.
“We are not totally complacent and we are very vigilant,” he said.
The city has been under MGCQ since September that saw COVID-19 cases go down significantly. The city, however, has been experiencing another surge this month.
Last Tuesday, the city had the most number of new COVID-19 cases nationwide with 88. As of January 26, the city had 986 cases.
Labella said he will check with the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to see if there was need for additional police personnel to ensure the strict enforcement of health protocols.
Labella reiterated that there was no need to impose a city-wide lockdown.
The mayor said should there will be granular lockdowns, the City Hall will provide assistance to the affected residence.
Labella likewise assured that the city was carefully planning its steps in purchasing COVID-19 vaccines.
“I share the thoughts of Governor Gwen Garcia that this is not a race. Haste makes waste, we are finalizing our vaccination plan,” the mayor said.