By Calvin Cordova
CEBU CITY — The Cebu provincial government has started imposing stricter border controls by regulating the arrival of domestic passengers in the next 30 days.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia issued on Saturday night separate Executive Orders (EOs) meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID 19) in the province.
“We can no longer stand idle when there is a clear and present danger,” said Garcia in a press briefing.
Under Garcia’s EO No. 5-E, passengers from Dumaguete City will be denied to enter Cebu province “effective immediately.”
Starting March 16, domestic passengers from Clark International Airport, Legaspi City and Cagayan de Oro will be denied to enter Cebu.
On March 17, all domestic flights will no longer be allowed to land in Mactan, and on March 18, all seaports will be closed to passenger travel.
“As we close our seaports to ingress of passengers, we are not prohibiting Cebuanos to go out of Cebu, but if they go out, they will not be able to come back in 30 days,” said Garcia.
In EO No. 5-G, classes in the province will be suspended starting today while a curfew will be enforced from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Cebuanos are also advised to observe social distancing as public gatherings are prohibited.
“All restaurants, cafes, bars, service (food and drink) related establishments, spas and parlors shall close at 9 p.m,” read EO No. 5-G.
In Cebu City, a curfew for minors will be enforced from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The city has also been placed under a state of calamity due to the COVID 19.
Vice Mayor Michael Rama said the declaration of the state of calamity will the city to utelize its calamity fund to address concerns regarding COVID 19.