CEBU CITY – Efforts to stem the transmission of COVID-19 are paying off and if the trend continues, Cebuanos can expect a better Christmas.
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) noted that together with the declining number of new infections, apprehensions of quarantine violators have also dwindled in the past few days.
“Our apprehensions have been declining but it doesn’t mean that we slackened in our enforcement but it shows that the people are already cooperative and compliant with the health protocols,” said Police Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla, deputy chief for operations of CCPO.
Parilla said the CCPO has strictly enforced “Oplan Puyo” ever since the city reverted to stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
Non-wearing of facemasks and curfew violations were the top causes of apprehensions, said Parilla.
“Hopefully, we can feel the results of our Oplan Puyo in Christmas. Continue cooperating if we want to have better Christmas. Stay-at-home and get vaccinated,” Parilla said.
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) also noted an improved COVID-19 situation in the city.
“Good results are showing and it’s not just because of the efforts of EOC but also that of the people, authorities, vaccinators and the vaccinated,” said City Councilor Joel Garganera, chief of the city’s EOC.
Garganera added that situation in hospitals has also been improving.
He explained that although hospitals are still swamped with COVID-19 patients, admissions have not been difficult compared to previous weeks.
“We have 39 admissions the other day and 31 yesterday (Sunday) which means admission is now easier,” said Garganera.
Another good sign is that hospitals in the city have also started accepting non-Cebu City residents even as the Cebu City Quarantine Center, quarantine hotels, temporary treatment and monitoring facility are now more relaxed, Garganera said.
With the city staying under MECQ until September 7, the city is hoping that COVID-19 cases would further go down.
The city had 4,491 active cases and recorded 172 new cases in the August 29 data of the Department of Health Central Visayas.
Garganera advised the public to strictly observe the minimum health standards especially if the city is downgraded to a more relaxed community quarantine.
“The problem is, when we are downgraded, the public tends to relax. Whether we like it or not, COVID-19 will still be here. We just have learn how to live with it,” Garganera said.