Russia has made a major leap in the fight against CoVID-19 for being the first to complete human trials.
“The research has been completed and it proved that the vaccine is safe. The volunteers will be discharged on July 15 and July 20,”
– Elena Smolyarchuk, Chief researcher for the Russian Center for Clinical Research on Medications at Sechenov University
They haven’t disclosed yet when this vaccine would enter commercial production.
About 20 people volunteered for the injection of the then potential coronavirus vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology.
Upon introduction to the vaccine, volunteers were asked to quarantine in the hospital for 28 days.
Russia has 719,449 confirmed cases with a death toll of 11,188 people from complications caused by Covid-19.
With at least 21 vaccines currently under trial worldwide, this gives us confidence that we can finally stop/contain the virus from taking over the world and our lives.
With the crisis that we are experiencing, it is without a doubt a need to find a way to live. From selling garments and baked goodies online to the recent home-baked hugot cakes, we have to pay much respect to these budding entrepreneurs.
One perfect example of a person truly worth of our admiration is Miss Sinulog 2020, Monika Afable.
Monika is from Borongan City, Easter Samar. Amid being a beauty queen, she truly is more than just a pretty face, she is someone who would find ways to survive. A brilliant woman indeed.
Together with her friend Sisa Balan, these beautiful women sell “pilipit” or “siakoy” in their barangay. Not minding what other people would think, they are indeed doing the right thing as they have been gaining praises.
Pilipit or Siakoy is a twisted doughnut. Twisted doughnuts are yeast donuts or sticks of pastry made from braided wheat or glutinous rice flour, deep-fried in oil.
Being on lockdown for months, you probably have tried everything you have always wanted to do indoors. From planting to baking, I’ve seen it all over the world wide web.
One thing that I’ve seen that looks cute and catchy are these minimalist cakes. Though the hand-piping job isn’t perfect, the messages are sure to perfectly put your emotions into words.
These “hugot cakes” have messages for your loved ones. You might be heartbroken or inlove, just let them know what you’ve been meaning to say and they’ll do it for you. Just make sure it won’t be too long, okay?
It’s been roughly four months now since the COVID-19 outbreak began in the country. Based on recent reports, the COVID-19 cases in entire Cebu are not declining. In fact, there are at least 150 new cases reported in Cebu each day.
The lighter news is, several hospitals and clinics have now been accredited to do their own swab/rapid testing for the coronavirus disease. This means, if we are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, we can now get tested voluntarily to the nearest testing center.
Common symptoms of COVID-19:
Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Sore throat
Fatigue
What to do if you’re sick or am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?
If you are experiencing any or all of the aforementioned symptoms, it’s best to call a COVID-19 hotline first for consultation before heading to a clinic for swab testing.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse before seeking medical help.
COVID-19 Hotlines for consultation
0922-397-2334
0943-568-3298
(032) 402-3091
(032) 402-1269
CebuDoctors: 0961-525-5194 (Smart)
CebuDoctors: 0956-788-5071 (Globe)
CebuDoctors: 0931-059-8617 (Sun)
You can call these numbers regardless of your residence.
Enlisted below are the cluster clinics or swab testing centers in Cebu.
Cebu City
Cluster Clinics for Swab Testing
Barangay Tinago Gym
Brotherhood Gym, Basak San Nicolas
Sawang Calero Gym
Cebu Medical Society, Banilad
If you’re carrying the common symptoms, you will be referred to in an isolation center while waiting for the test result.
If you get a ‘positive’ result of the virus, for mild symptoms, you will transferred to a Barangay Isolation Center. For moderate symptoms, to the treatment facility at CCMC.
For severe cases:
Symptoms include, but not limited to, breathing difficulties and severe diarrhea.
Call the Cebu City hotline numbers:
(032) 233-4194
(032) 254-8637
(032) 411-0102 / 411-0126
0923-937-8599
0923-937-8596
0909-943-1037
Wait for an ambulance to pick-up. Patient will then be brought to a hospital for admission.
Bayanihan Cebu-DOH Testing Center
The BAYANIHAN CEBU-DOH SWABBING CENTER will officially open on Monday (July 13, 2020). Testing is free.
Location:2nd floor of the IC3/IEC Buildings (entrance via ramp at basement parking)
Operating Hours:Mon-Sat : 8AM-12NN, 1-5PM
It’s a 12-booth facility where DOH med-techs will collect swabs and all specimens will be processed by the DOH for free.
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
Before leaving your homes to be tested, please wear your masks and bring your own pen, as there are forms that need to be filled out at the center.
Drive-Thru, Walk-Thru Testing
Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) recently launched a Drive-Thru & Walk-Thru swabbing for SARS CoV2 (COVID-19). Testing is for free.
Process Flow
Access VSMMC FB page and click the link provided.
Fill up Case Investigation Form and choose a schedule online.
On the testing day, Print/Save QR code and bring Valid ID
Present QR code, Valid ID and register at tent A
Your temperature will be taken and you will be given a bar code sticker
For Swabbing:
Walk-thru subjects to tent C
Drive-thru subjects drives to tent D or E
Scanning of bar code and verification of subject identification
The Mandaue City Government encourages its residents who are experiencing COVID-19 systems to call or text first the barangay’s FEVER CLINICS to schedule a check-up.
Below is the list of fever clinics in Mandaue City:
Cebu Province is composed of cities and towns in Cebu that are outside Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City.
COVID-19 Hotline in Cebu Province
(032) 888-2334 loc 3011, 3012, 3013
0917-843-7375
(032) 888-2329 loc 1271, 1272 (Integrated Provincial Health Office)
Frequently Asked Questions
If I know someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation, will I be infected if I go near him/her?
No. Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
What are the best things to do to lower the risk of being infected with COVID-19?
– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
– If you just sneezed, coughed, or went to the bathroom, even before and after eating, wash your hands.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
– If you are sick, stay at home.
– Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing or coughing and throw the tissue in the trash thereafter.
Should I worry about COVID-19?
Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones.
Who is at risk of developing severe illness?
While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.
Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?
While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19.
However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings are available.
Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?
Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.
Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19.
Will mask protect me from COVID-19?
It’s best to wear masks at all times when going outside. Your mask cuts own risk by 65%.
Social distancing, face masks and eye protection all appear to reduce the spread of COVID-19, in both health care settings and the general community, according to a new review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Could my pet be a source of COVID-19?
No. There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or could spread the virus that causes COVID-19.
How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?
The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available.
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:
