Pangasinan capital town enforces ‘No Movement Monday’


LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The local government here is implementing a “No Movement Day” every Monday and other heightened restrictions from September 1 to 15 to arrest the rise in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the locality.

In Executive Order (EO) 43, made public on Tuesday night, Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil said the measure would be observed to allow the cleaning and disinfection of public places, such as markets, plazas, parks, and beaches.

Under the EO, entertainment venues, such as karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, theaters, and cinemas, as well as recreational venues, amusement parks, theme parks, casinos, outdoor sports courts and venues, indoor sports courts and venues, meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions, are also not allowed to operate.

“Aside from non-essential public gatherings, gatherings at residences with any person outside of one’s immediate household are prohibited, except for those essential for the provision of health services, government services, or humanitarian activities authorized by the appropriate government agency,” Bataoil said.

Religious gatherings are allowed up to 30 percent of the venue capacity, he added.

“Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, internment, and funerals for those who died of other causes except COVID-19 are allowed for a maximum of three days and up to 30 percent of the venue capacity. However, serving of food and drinks is discouraged,” he said.

Barangay officials have been tasked to issue one pass per household to ensure strict compliance with physical distancing and other health measures in public markets, agro-fishery stores, and other establishments.

The EO amended some provisions of EO 41 earlier issued by Bataoil in compliance with Governor Amado Espino III’s letter circular enjoining local government units to implement emergency measures to address the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the province.