The government continues to take action to address the coronavirus situation in Cebu province but needs the cooperation of the public, according to a Palace official.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar appealed to the people of Cebu to follow health protocols to ensure their protection and contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

"Being placed under COVID-19 Alert Level 4 indicates that a serious action must be done," he said in a statement Wednesday, August 11.

"It should not only be fulfilled by the government, but also by each and everyone situated within Cebu province. It is only when all of us are doing our part that we will be able to control and slow down the spread of the virus, particularly with the presence of the Delta variant," he added.

Andanar recognized the "serious COVID-19 concern" placed on Cebu province, especially in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.

"We call on our fellow Bisaya to strictly comply and observe the government-imposed health protocols and stringent quarantine restrictions in your respective areas in order to ensure that we collectively manage and address the COVID-19 situation in the province," he said.

Andanar likewise urged the public to stay updated with "truthful and reliable news and information, especially on the heightened quarantine restrictions implemented by the government." He said updates could be obtained from the PCOO's programs such as Laging Handa Public Briefing, Network Briefing News, and Laging Handa Dokyu.

"May all of us be able to overcome this challenge as one nation towards our collective recovery," he said.

At least 11 places in Cebu have reportedly been placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from August 1 to 15. The province, including the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue, are among the places put under heightened alert due to the reported rising coronavirus and hospital occupancy level.