With our fight against COVID-19 getting closer to an end, more efforts are being poured by organizations around the globe and in our country to contain COVID-19.
As of July 13, 2020, the Bayanihan Cebu-DOH Swabbing Center officially opens with the goal of providing swab tests for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
This is in line with the national government’s thrust against COVID-19 with the tagline “Test, Trace and Treat”.
Swabbing centers
Consists of 12 booths equipped with swabbing kits
Medical techinicians or med-techs are from DOH
Collecting the swabs and all specimens will be processed for free
Initially, the DOH has highly prioritized the frontliners and the high-risk population (those with underlying conditions, elderly, children, pregnant women, etc.), the DOH has included those in the subgroups B-F, as per their guidelines, but limited to those who are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms.
COVID-19 symptoms include high fever, cough, colds, sore throat, joint pains, diarrhea and loss of sense and smell taste.
Bayanihan Cebu also have calling centers for your convenience. Citizens can call the centers to set appointments for their tests, but walk-in patients are also accepted.
Note: Calling centers will be active starting July 14, 2020.
Help desk contact numbers:
7AM-10PM
0905 359 8952
0905 359 8953
0905 359 8954
0905 359 8955
0905 359 8956
10PM-7AM
0905 359 8958
0905 359 8959
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat : 8AM-12NN, 1-5PM
Location: 2nd floor of the IC3/IEC Buildings (entrance via ramp at basement parking)
For updates and inquiries, you may message Bayanihan Cebu PH on Facebook.
Critical times like these, getting relevant and right information can literally save lives. Please spread the word, not the virus!
As the country to battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said that select Philippine banks will waive fees for PESONet and InstaPay transactions until September while others will be until December.
“To the call for relief measures that will benefit the general public and at the same time deepen the use of digital payments during the Covid-19 period.”
– BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno
Banks waiving fees until September 30, 2020:
BDO Unibank, Inc.
Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
Bank of the Philippine Islands
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
China Banking Corporation
Bank of Commerce
Robinsons Bank Corporation
Philippine Savings Bank
PayMaya Philippines, Inc.
G-Xchange, Inc.
China Bank Savings, Inc.
Philippine Bank of Communications
Equicom Savings Bank, Inc.
Banks waiving fees until December 31, 2020:
Union Bank of the Philippines
Asia United Bank Corporation
Land Bank of the Philippines
Development Bank of the Philippines
Security Bank Corporation
Sterling Bank of Asia, Inc.
Standard Chartered Bank
East West Banking Corporation
United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB)
Maybank Philippines, Inc.
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) — waived for retail, corporate accounts reduced from PHP 150 to PHP 50
Philippine National Bank (PNB) has yet to announce the extension date for these waived fees, but it’s still being offered “until further notice”.
PESONet and InstaPay are the two real-time electronic payment systems under the BSP’s National Retail Payments System (NRPS).
InstaPay allows bank clients to transfer funds up to PHP50,000 per transaction without limit daily while PESONet is a credit payment scheme for business-to-business and people-to-business transactions, such as crediting of salaries to employees’ accounts.
The World Health Organization formally announced on Thursday that the coronavirus may linger in the air in crowded indoor spaces, spreading from one person to the other.
The WHO though previously mentioned that asymptomatic transmission was “very rare.”
“It is refreshing to see that WHO is now acknowledging that airborne transmission may occur, although it is clear that the evidence must clear a higher bar for this route compared to others,”
– Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech
An aerosol, a respiratory droplet is so small it may linger in the air. WHO said in its latest description of the spread of the virus that these aerosols may have been responsible for “outbreaks of COVID-19 reported in some closed settings, such as restaurants, nightclubs, places of worship or places of work where people may be shouting, talking or singing.”
The agency, however, had maintained, that airborne spread is only a concern when health care workers are engaged in certain medical procedures that produce aerosols. But evidences show that the virus, in crowded indoor spaces, can stay aloft for hours and infect others, and may even seed ‘superspreader events.’
WHO though still emphasizes the role of the larger droplets that are coughed or inhaled, or by contact with a contaminated surface; fomite. WHO still maintained that “detailed investigations of these clusters suggest that droplet and fomite transmission could also explain human-to-human transmission.”
WHO emphasized to:
Avoid close contact with infected people
Wash your hands frequently
Avoid crowded places
Avoid close-contact settings
Avoid confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation
Ensure good ventilation
These recommendations are “what is needed to help slow transmission in communities,” Marr said.
There is debate about the relative contribution of airborne spread compared with transmission by droplets and surfaces. The new guidance still skirts that question.
“I interpret this as saying while it is reasonable to think it can happen, there’s not consistent evidence that it is happening often,” Bill Hanage, an epidemiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said in an email.
While it is proven to float in air, we should also do our part to help in flattening the curve. Let us stay at home.
We’ve been reading a lot of comments about how nostalgic our posts about the Cebu tourist spots are. You’ve asked for it, you’re about to get it.
As Cebu Province is placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), tourist spots have been preparing to re-open.
Canyoneering, whale-watching, swimming in the beach, are just among the many tourist spots you are set to enjoy once they reopen. Since Cebu Province is placed under MGCQ, tourism-related activities are encouraged to resuscitate the economic opportunities lost to the CoVID-19 pandemic.
Canyoneering
Whale Shark Watching | Photo by @travellust.co via IG
In the Executive Order 20-A scheduled to be signed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia next week, you will be able to enjoy whale-watching, canyoneering, snorkeling, diving, parasailing, and island-hopping activities given that you are fit for the activity.
As part of embracing the new normal, everyone is strictly mandated to follow the ‘new normal’ health protocols:
Physical distancing
Frequent sanitizing
Using of foot baths
To ensure physical distancing, tour activities will then be limited to a 50% capacity than the usual to operate.
However, the local government units (LGUs) are still the ones responsible in implementing health protocols for each activity.
On July 9, Garcia said during her daily virtual presser that cross-border swimming is now permitted. This means that residents may now gain entry into neighboring towns with access to beaches.
“Under GCQ wala na nato gi-allow nang swimming from one town to another. Anha ra gyud ka maligo sa dagat nga duol sa inyoha. Duna pa gyud ta’y oras nga from 6 am to noontime as part of the health regimen. Apan karon gi-allow na nato, under MGCQ, kay in effect i-open na nato ang tourism in towns that depend mainly on tourism as their means of livelihood,”
– Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia
A meeting is set with the Departments of Tourism, Health, and Trade and Industry to finalize EO 20-A.
“It is expected that I’ll be signing Executive Order 20-A by Tuesday or Wednesday which will define the guidelines for tourism-related activities,” Garcia said.
As of today, July 11, all international commercial flights remain suspended at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). The following arrival protocols are applicable to passengers arriving via international sweeper or repatriation flights, or rerouted flights from Manila due to quarantine processing limitations.
MCIA reminds arriving international passengers to strictly adhere to the following protocols upon check-in at their port of origin and upon arrival at MCIA.
1. Required online passenger registration:
All international passengers arriving at MCIA starting July 15, 2020 are required to register using the online MCIA Passenger Arrival Registration Form at least two (2) days prior to departure. The form is accessible through https://mactancebuairport.com/covid-19-registration. A Travel Registration Number (TRN) will be generated once registration is complete.
All passengers arriving before July 15, 2020 must follow the manual process of filling out the forms upon check-in at their port of origin.
2. Upon check-in at port of origin:
All international passengers travelling to MCIA must present the following documentary requirements:
Valid Passport
Valid visa with proof of filiation or marriage, if applicable
For returning non-OFW Filipinos (ROFs) or foreign nationals, proof of pre-booked Cebu hotel accommodation is needed. For a list of accredited hotels, visit the MCIA COVID-19 International Arrival Advisory page at https://mactancebuairport.com/covid-19-advisory
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), kindly coordinate with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for specific requirements and other guidelines.
Travel Reference Number (TRN) upon completion of the online MCIA Passenger Arrival Registration Form.
Health Declaration Form (HDF) available upon check-in at your port of origin and must be filled out prior to arrival
3. Undergo COVID-19 swab test
All passengers shall undergo a COVID-19 PCR swab test upon arrival at MCIA and must have confirmed hotel accommodation in Cebu for a specific number of days while waiting for their test result.
The cost of PCR swab test forreturning non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals is PhP4,900.00, shouldered by the passenger. Cost of PCR swab test for land-based OFWs and seafarers is Php4,400.00 and shall be shouldered by OWWA.
4. Procedures upon arrival at MCIA
Step 1. Upon arrival at MCIA, present your TRN (generated after registering through the online MCIA Passenger Arrival Registration Form) at the Validation Counter and claim your barcode for identification and swab testing.
Step 2. Proceed to thermal scanning by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and submit the Health Declaration Form (HDF).
Step 3. Proceed to Immigration for clearance.
Step 4. Proceed to the following counters at the Arrival Reclaim Hall:
For OFWs: OWWA counter.
For returning non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals: Cashier counter for PCR swab test payment.
(PHP and Visa card are accepted. For other currencies, proceed to the foreign exchange counter at the arrivals area.)
For other inquiries: DOH, OWWA, MARINA, DOT, and DILG counters
Step 5. Proceed to the waiting area for the PCR swab test.
Step 6. Submit the barcode to the health personnel and undergo PCR swab test. Once the test has been completed, wear the orange band/sticker on your right wrist to indicate completion.
Step 7. Claim your baggage at the assigned reclaim belt.
Step 8. Proceed to waiting area and wait for a representative from the respective agencies for Customs clearance:
OWWA for OFWs
Accredited hotel liaison officers for returning non-OFW Filipinos and foreign nationals
Step 9. Proceed to Customs for clearance.
Step 10. Proceed to your designated vehicle with your respective agency representative for hotel drop-off.
Step 11. Wait for the results of your PCR swab test from the BOQ to be released after 24-48 hours.
If the PCR swab test result is negative, the passenger will receive an email from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ). The LGU may bring the passenger to their residence in Cebu or they may be allowed to go home through their private vehicle. If the passenger is not based in Cebu, they may take their onward flight.
If PCR swab test result is positive, BOQ will be directly in touch with the passenger for specific instructions. The passenger must comply with mandated health, safety, and treatment protocols of the DOH and BOQ.
Passengers are strongly advised to continuously monitor the status of their flights and ensure that they have the necessary documents in compliance with the regulations of the local government of their point of origin and destination.
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has recently issued Executive Order No. 20 on July 9, 2020 specifying guidelines for the movement of people and opening of businesses in the Cebu Province under the new modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status.
With the mandatory public health safety standards still in placed, here is a summary of the guidelines.
Excluded in this new classification are Talisay City, Minglanilla and Consolacion.
NOTE: Cebu Province is composed of cities and towns outside Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City.
ALLOWED UNDER MGCQ
Indoor and outdoor activities and exercises such as, but not limited to, walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, Zumba, and skateboarding
Gyms, fitness studios, sports facilities for non-contact sports
Internet and computer shops, educational support establishments, libraries, archives, and museums (allowed at 50 percent capacity)
Pet grooming services, travel agencies, tour operators, and other personal care services
Backriding in motorcycles
Cross border swimming with no time limit
Dine-in restaurants, fast food chains, and carenderias (50 percent capacity in open areas, well-ventilated, and installed with an air purification system if airconditioned)
Public land transportation and public marine transportation (reduced capacity)
Public air transportation operates within the MGCQ zone
Religious gatherings (limited to 50 percent capacity)
Mass gatherings in LGUs only after securing permit from the mayor
Regular operating hours of banks and other financial institutions
Work in government offices may be fully operational at the discretion of the local chief executive (LCE).
Cargos and delivery of essential goods in the Province of Cebu
Note: All businesses operating within the Province of Cebu shall adopt a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and a Health Regimen Plan (HRP) to be submitted to the LGUs having jurisdiction over the workplace
PROHIBITED
Persons who are immunocompromised and other health risks are not allowed to go out
Movement for leisure purposes
Buffet or self-service food establishments are not allowed under MGCQ
All forms of gambling, including cockfighting, shall be prohibited within the Province of Cebu.
Fiesta celebrations and all other related community activities during fiesta
Basketball, volleyball and other high contact sports
Physical school classes continues to be suspended.
MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE
Curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for non-workers and non-exempt persons
All persons shall be allowed to go out of their residence only to access essential goods and services and to work in the offices or industries permitted to operate and to do the activities permitted
BORDERS REMAIN
Restriction of entry into the Province of Cebu from Cebu City as defined under Section 8 of the said EO.
Non-essential workers are not allowed entry into the territorial jurisdiction of the Province of Cebu as defined by the borders of the City of Mandaue in the north, City of Talisay in the south, Balamban town in the west, and Cordova in the Island of Mactan.
Here’s the new Executive Order for MGCQ classification:
From the previous releases, Nike is yet to surprise us with their new take on our favorites.
Nike is set to release another favorite. If you were excited to get your hands on their pride merch, you really have to see their blinged-out pairs.
They will be rolling out their brand-new AF 1 low kicks with icy gems. The sole also has textured, ribbed and dotted patterns.
Dubbed as the AF 1 Lox LX ‘Bling’ will definitely turn your heads with its gems atop its laces. In between the aquamarine and gray sapphire stones is a golden Swoosh logo rimmed with more bling. Not to mention, the tongue is tinted with a warm beige color to give the spotlight to the gems.
According to Sneaker News, this designs is slated for release in Europe this July, but we’re hoping it’ll be available in the Philippines, too! It is reportedly priced at $120 or approximately P5,948.
The franchise bid of the media giant ABS-CBN was denied after the House Legislative Franchise and Good Government and Public Accountability Committees held a series of 13 hearings tackling various issues.
An overwhelming 70 lawmakers voted to adopt the technical working group’s (TWG) report recommending the denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise application with two (2) inhibitions and one (1) abstention.
The decision was announced by the Palawan 1st District Rep. Franz Alvarez, the chairperson of the House committee of which 85 members registered their votes with 46 regular members and 39 ex-officio members. It would have only taken 43 votes to have the majority.
On the TWG report, ABS-CBN violations described by the panel as a privilege are:
Its former Chairman Eugenio Lopez III was both a Filipino and American citizen, the issuance of Philippine Depositary Receipts supposedly favoring foreigners
Inappropriate program content
Meddling in politics
Tax avoidance schemes
Less than exemplary labor practices
Other issues that can be probed:
The current state of giving tax incentives to “prevent abusive tax avoidance measures”
Questions on how ABS-CBN was able to recover its properties from the government “without recourse to the mandated procedures.”
The report also stated that ABS-CBN cannot justify its franchise application by invoking the freedom of the press.
“It is what it is — a denial of a privilege granted by the State because the applicant was seen as undeserving of the grant of a legislative franchise. By no means can this franchise application be related to press freedom. If it were so, then all applicants for legislative franchises covering mass media could simply claim such freedom and force the hand of this Committee each time,”
With the pandemic’s end nowhere yet in sight, many of us are forced to undergo work-from-home schemes. Ever since, this beneficial opportunity for those who get to experience it, has been working with a little or almost to none losses in terms of productivity.
To maintain or maybe enhance that productivity, here are some tools that can be used to conduct virtual meetings.
1. Zoom
What makes this tool stand out among the rest is its host-participant feature, giving the host the complete control of the meeting. This is ideal for presentations and classes.
Max Number of Attendees: 100
Account Registration: Not Required
Screen Sharing: Yes
Screen/Sound Recording: Yes
2. Google Meet
If you are already using Gmail, then it is easier to access this tool. Some certain features differ between the free and the paid ones. With the pandemic ongoing, Google Meet offers free use of the features of the paid version until September 30, 2020.
Max Number of Attendees: 100
Account Registration: Not required in the paid version
Screen Sharing: Yes
Screen/Sound Recording: Only available in the paid version
3. Microsoft Teams
Personally, this is what we use at work and what makes this awesome is that it has a chat function and also, documents can be shared with its storage function.
Max Number of Attendees: 250
Account Registration: Required
Screen Sharing: Yes
Screen/Sound Recording: No
4. Cisco Webex Meetings
This tool is encouraged for seminars as only the host can record the sessions. This tool is also surely safe to use, as it is owned by Cisco Systems, one of the world’s top cybersecurity experts.
Max Number of Attendees: 100
Account Registration: Not Required
Screen Sharing: Yes
Screen/Sound Recording: Possible for the host only
5. Skype
This is one of the pioneers when it comes to video chatting and conferencing. Skype has been there ever since for virtual meetings and is still operating up to this day.
Max Number of Attendees: 50
Account Registration: Not Required
Screen Sharing: Yes
Screen/Sound Recording: Yes
Working from home might be boring after some time, but for sure we gotta do what we gotta do. So, which among the tools do you like the most?
On Wednesday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) has released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of July 9, 2020.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 242 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 670 new recoveries, and 32 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 11,289 while the active cases are at 6,316.
Breakdown of cases:
📍 Cebu City – Total confirmed: 7,175 (+97 today) – Total recoveries: 3,516 (+469 today) – Total deaths: 336 (+26 today) – Active cases: 3,323
📍 Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 1,179 (+34 today) – Total recoveries: 341 (+89 today) – Total deaths: 31 (+5 today) – Active cases: 807
📍 Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 1,086 (+24 today) – Total recoveries: 218 (+37 today) – Total deaths: 27 (+0 today) – Active cases: 841
📍 Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 1,849 (+87 today) – Total recoveries: 400 (+75 today) – Total deaths: 104 (+1 today) – Active cases: 1,345
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total New Cases: +242 today
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 11,289
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,316
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 4,472 (+670 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 498 (+32 new)
According to DOH-7, a total of 1,390 laboratory results were released from the following; VSMCC Subnational Laboratory (401), Cebu TB Reference Laboratory (942) and ARC Hospital (47).
