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Mactan-Cebu International Airport implements “new normal” measures

GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) is ramping up preparations for the “New Normal” travel experience at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in adherence to the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The guidelines issued by both agencies are intended to protect the well-being of the public against the continuing threat of COVID-19.  

“GMCAC and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) are implementing stringent preventive health and safety measures at MCIA. This is in preparation for the lifting of travel restrictions and the resumption of flight services in line with airline schedules,” 

– GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Acquaah-Harrison

Stringent Safety Measures

Harrison asked for the public’s cooperation in the implementation of these measures at the airport. In particular, he requested for the public’s support in limiting the number of well-wishers for departing passengers to one companion per passenger. “This will go a long way in helping us avoid close proximity crowding anywhere on the airport premises,” he said.

Among the other safety measures to be implemented at MCIA are the following:

1. Compulsory use of face masks for all passengers and airport employees within the vicinity of Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and adjacent areas

All passengers and airport employees are required to always wear face masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) inside the airport premises.   

2. Mandatory body temperature checks   

  • All passengers and airport employees must undertake a body temperature scan by the airport security staff using handheld thermal devices at all airport entry points.  
  • The Bureau of Quarantine will continuously monitor the body temperature of arriving passengers through thermal imaging systems. 

3. Hand sanitizing and shoe disinfection for all passengers and employees prior to terminal entry   

Passengers and airport staff must sanitize their hands and disinfect their shoes before entering the airport terminals. Hand sanitizers and footbaths are provided at all entry points.   

4. Social distancing protocols will be strictly enforced in all terminal areas

  • Required social distancing of three (3) to six (6) feet in queuing points and a one-seat-apart policy in waiting areas will be implemented. There will be visible floor markings to guide the passengers while queueing at high traffic areas such as entry gates, ticketing booths, check-in counters, F&B and retail stores, boarding gates, escalators and stairs. Moreover, the use of the elevators will be regulated to conform to social distancing protocols.
  • Airport procedures such as security checks and check-in will be modified to adopt “no-touch measures” to reduce any means of contact.
  • Passengers will be asked to follow gradual aircraft boarding and disembarkation procedures to avoid any queue formation and congestion. All passengers and employees are reminded to always keep right when traversing walkways and lanes. 

5. Regular disinfection of passenger areas and terminal facilities   

  • High-touch surfaces on escalators, in elevators, stairways, passenger boarding bridges, restrooms, and items that are physically handled by passengers such as baggage trolleys and security trays at the security screening points will be regularly sanitized. 
  • Passenger areas such as departure boarding gates, arrival reclaim halls, and immigration passport control area will be disinfected at regular intervals. 
  • Additional alcohol-based hand sanitizers will be installed in public areas of the terminals for the use of passengers and airport employees. Moreover, liquid hand soap in all restrooms will be replaced with medical-grade handwashing soap for thorough disinfection.   

6. A protective clear shield will be fitted and installed in all check-in counters to serve as a protective barrier between the passenger and the check-in agent. 

7. Medical Isolation Room

The isolated holding areas that have been in place since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak will continue to be used as a medical isolation room where personnel from the Bureau of Quarantine can conduct quarantine assessment.

8. Posting of health information materials and safety reminders in strategic locations 

  • Health advisories based on guidance materials from the IATF-EID, Department of Health, and the World Health Organization will be displayed in strategic locations to provide passengers with ample information on COVID-19.
  • Health announcements and reminders on social distancing will be made every 30 minutes inside the airport terminals. Information, education, and communication campaigns will be continuously conducted for airport employees to build a culture of safety against COVID-19.

GMCAC is in close coordination with the MCIAA and relevant government authorities, airlines, and other MCIA community stakeholders for the organized implementation of the “new normal” measures. Harrison also requested airport stakeholders to review and modify their policies and procedures to adhere to the IATF and DOTR guidelines.

With these measures in place, GMCAC and the entire MCIA community look forward to welcoming passengers and tourists as they travel again to and from Cebu.

Twitter now allows employees to Work From Home ‘forever’

If you have been doing an exemplary job working at home, you’ll surely envy some of the employees of Twitter.

Some employees of Twitter will be allowed to continue working from home, if they wish, forever. CNN Business on Tuesday reported this confirmation from the people behind Twitter themselves.

Though no role was specified for the qualification of this opportunity, it is already a guarantee. For the past several months of working from home for their employees, they have seen how working from home could actually still work for both the employees, and the business.

“If our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever, we will make that happen,”

Jennifer Christie, Twitter’s Vice President of People

“If not, our offices will be their warm and welcoming selves, with some additional precautions, when we feel it’s safe to return,”

Twitter though is still not expected to open most of its offices before September. They have also cancelled all internal events through 2020, and is eyeing to extend it to 2021.

While Twitter is reporting this opportunity for some employees to take advantage of, they are also putting their hiring on hold. Twitter has planned to increase its workforce by 20% in 2020, but because of the global crisis, they would only be hiring people for the critical areas.

Cebu City records higher recoveries than new confirmed cases on May 13

The efforts of our local government have gradually paid off. Hopefully, this is the beginning of more good news in the coming days.

On May 13, the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) has reported 27 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 41 new laboratory negative (recoveries) recorded today. Since the mass testing began, this is the first time the city has recorded more recoveries than new positive cases.

Below is the breakdown of new cases:

  • 1 – Basak San Nicolas (inmate)
  • 7 – Bo. Luz
  • 1 – Calamba
  • 1 – Duljo
  • 3 – Inayawan (inmates)
  • 1 – labangon
  • 2 – Lahug
  • 2 – Mambaling
  • 1 – Pardo
  • 1 – Pasil
  • 2 – San Nicolas Proper
  • 3 – Suba
  • 2 – Tejero

As of May 13, 2020, Cebu City now has a total of 1,687 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 9 deaths and 73 recoveries. Although the number of cases is high, Cebu City still has the lowest death rate (below 0.75%) in the Philippines compared to the City of Manila at 8.28% and global average at 6.4%. 

It was previously reported that the rise of COVID-19 cases in the city is because of local government’s efforts in conducting targeted mass testing since mid-April this year.

The results of the mass testing in Cebu will serve as basis of the city’s policies, programs and actions after the expiration of the extended Enhanced Community Quarantine in May 15, 2020. This includes isolation of infected individuals in the respective quarantine centers.

Total breakdown of cases in Cebu City

As of May 13,2020We have 41 tested lab negative from our confirmed patients27 new confirmed cases as of today this is…

Posted by CCHD- Cebu City Health Department on Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Sugboanons, let’s do our part. Stay at home, practice good hygiene and follow the authorities.

LOOK: PAL Flight Attendant wears PPE as select flights resume

Before we jump embrace the new normal, let’s first thank our modern day heroes.

As we are immersing ourselves with the new normal, some flights have also resumed. One airline who has started flying is Philippine Airlines.

With PAL’s resumption of their flights, the safety of their personnel should be taken into consideration. An FB post by Jay-R de la Calzada has been making a buzz online as he posted a photo of her ‘ate’, Shelvy de la Calzada Tinoco in her personal protective equipment (PPE).

He wished her ‘ate’ safety and we should also do the same. Not only to her ‘ate’, but to all our modern day heroes.

Philippine Airlines' new Personal Protective Equipment for their Flight Attendants as they now start flying on selected routes. Amping sa byahe Ate Shelvy Dela Calzada Tinoco we love you!#thenewnormal

Posted by Jay-r de la Calzada on Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has reopened to inbound international flights since Monday, May 11, as previously announced by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

It was stated that scheduled international commercial flights may land at NAIA on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Inbound international chartered flights will be permitted to land at NAIA on Mondays and Thursdays.

These restrictions will last for a month, from May 11 to June 12 and only apply to NAIA. Other international airports in the Philippines are to set their own restrictions.

Control your Android Phone with Harry Potter spells

Have you always wanted to become a wizard?

Well, we might not be able to fulfill your dreams, we have something close to that in store for you. If you’re a Potterhead too, brace yourself because you’re in for some treat!

If you grew up with spells and magic, then this will definitely pique your interest. Because apart from learning the magic spells, your phone will magically adhere to the spells you are to cast.

Channel your inner Hermione Granger.

Did you know that your Android phone is programmed to three of Harry Potter’s spells? If not, then here are three spells you can cast to either turn your phone’s flashlight ON or OFF, and even to turn off all your notifications.

To do so, open your Google Assistant — you can also say ‘Hey Google’ or ‘OK Google’ to activate Google Assistant — and…

1. Say ‘LUMOS MAXIMA’

‘LUMOS MAXIMA’ will let you turn your flashlight ON.

2. Say ‘NOX’

By saying ‘NOX,’ you are commanding your phone to turn its flashlight OFF.

3. Say ‘SILENCIO’

‘SILENCIO’ will turn your phone’s ringer and notifications, OFF.

5 Franchises in the Philippines under P200k

Call me assuming, but I’d like to assume that working from home made you save thousands of bucks. Yes?

If you agree with the aforementioned, then I’ve got great news for you! You can make the most out of your money by investing it into businesses, franchising. You need no millions to get your own business, because for as low as P200,000, you can have one!

1. SPEED DRIVEN CAR WASH

Speed Driven Car Wash was established in 2013 and has been providing location assistance and 3-day hands-on trainings since then.

If you want to take your franchise up a notch, you can upgrade it by including auto detailing for only P40, 000.

2. HONG KONG STYLE NOODLES & DIMSUM

For someone who loves Chinese food, dimsum should be here. Hong Kong Style Noodles & Dimsum is the best to-go.

For over 15 years, they have been filling tummies of every dimsum craving. They also make sure you get to find a high traffic location so you can earn even more.

3. PET GALORE

Pet Galore doesn’t only carry leashes, crates, aquariums, and treats, but also pets. From dogs, cats, fishes, birds, and rabbits, they’ve got it.

It is also suggested for you to find a business ‘fur’tner upon setting up a branch. The more fur parents, the merrier.

4. BUKO NI MAGIC

Buko ni Magic offers a complete business package.

2 kgs of buko juice, equipment, even crew uniforms. Feel free to consult them regarding the location, too.

5. CYCLE HOUSE

Both a mean of transportation and exercises. Bicycles have been making waves especially during the surge of the pandemic.

Might as well invest into something we’ve all used during lockdown, yes? Must be sentimental.

Cebu City now has highest number of cases in PH; total at 1,660

The headline is such a pain in the eyes; but this is expected. The local government has heard our demand for mass testing, so we should really be expecting this surge of increase on COVID-19 cases.

On May 12, the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) has recorded 91 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city — 96% of the infected individuals are asymptomatic. This brings Cebu City’s total to 1,660.

Cebu has overtaken the spot of Quezon City which currently has 1,641 confirmed COVID-19 cases after recording 33 new cases on May 12, based on the data from DOH’s online tracker.

Increased mass testing, low death rate

The local government units in Cebu have been conducting targeted mass testing since mid-April this year while the whole island is being placed under enhanced community quarantine.

The results of the mass testing in Cebu will serve as basis of the city’s policies, programs and actions after the expiration of the extended Enhanced Community Quarantine in May 15, 2020. This includes isolation of infected individuals in the respective quarantine centers.

Moreover, the Department of Health Region 7 highlighted that Cebu City has the lowest death rate at 0.75% in the Philippines. The city only has 9 deaths recorded. The City of Manila, which has the highest death rate, comes at 8.28%, with 69 deaths. 

Breakdown of cases in Cebu City

Total cases in entire Cebu

This is the combined data of Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, and the Cebu Province.

On May 11, DOH-7 released its latest COVID-19 report for the region as of previous day, May 10, 2020. The whole island of Cebu has recorded a total of 1,784 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 43 recoveries and 24 deaths. Below is the latest breakdown of the confirmed cases in Cebu:

  • 1,566 – Cebu City (+97 new)
  • 109 – Mandaue City
  • 43 – Lapu-Lapu City (+2 new)
  • 44 – Cebu Province (+5 new)
  • 4 – Health Workers
  • 18 – Repatriates/OFWs

ALSO READ: Cebu City to be placed under ‘Modified ECQ’ from May 16 to 31

Cebu City now placed under ‘Modified ECQ’ until May 31

Cebu City, along with Metro Manila and the Laguna province, will be placed under “modified” enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from May 16 to May 31, 2020 as announced by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier today, May 12.

Other areas in the country were either placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) while others were lifted, without sacrificing health measures. 

“Obviously pinakinggan natin ang siyensiya kaya nga po modified ECQ tayo. Naka-ECQ pa rin po tayo, bagamat bubuksan natin ang mas marami pang mga sektor ng ating ekonomiya. But we continue to be in ECQ because of the continuing threat,”

– Presidential SpokespersonHarry Roque

Roque explained that modified ECQ will serve as a “transition phase” from a strict ECQ to a relaxed general community quarantine. There will be limited transport services for essential goods and services, while physical classes will remain suspended.

Under the ‘MODIFIED Enhanced Community Quarantine’:

  • Limited movement within the zone for obtaining services and work
  • Maximum of 50% operations of selected industries will be allowed
  • Limited transportation for essential goods and services
  • Limited transportation for those going to work and for essential services
  • Suspension of physical classes in all levels

Roque said the list of allowed industries under MECQ would be announced in another press briefing either late Tuesday or on Wednesday.

Update (May 15, 2020):

Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella has officially issued and signed a new Executive Order following the IATF declaration that Cebu City will be placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) starting on May 16 until May 31, 2020.

General Guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF):

All-new ‘The Baby-sitters Club’ series is coming to Netflix this July

I’m definitely nostalgia all over.

Upon learning about my favorite book, The Baby-sitters Club, being available on Netflix, I’m goosebumps all over. I can still remember how I’d excitedly flip the pages of the book I am reading. Therefore, you’re really aware of my excitement with this news.

Premiering on July 3, The Baby-sitters Club, you can watch the 40-second teaser on Netflix. There are 10 episodes for 30 minutes long per episode. Hence, you can binge-watch this all-time fave for a week or less in July.

This Netflix reboot is based on the best-selling book series of the same name, the show follows the adventures of Kristy Thomas (Sophie Grace), Mary Anne Spier (Malia Baker), Claudia Kishi (Momona Tamada), Stacey McGill (Shay Rudolph) and Dawn Schafer (Xochitl Gomez) as they start their own babysitting business in Stoneybrook, Connecticut.

There are a lot of things I would want to know and visualize from my imagination. I have only imagined all the phones and gadgets from the books, and I am definitely seeing it now.

Join the bandwagon and relive the olden times. Good luck!

Watch the teaser trailer here:

Astronomers capture ‘lucky’ image of Jupiter

Scientists have ‘finally’ obtained an image of the planet Jupiter. After hundreds of exposures, they were finally able to build a sharp image mosaic of Jupiter in the infrared.

A remarkable new image of Jupiter has been produced by Astronomers. This traced the glowing regions of warmth, lurking beneath the gas giant’s cloud tops.

Gemini North Telescope, in Hawaii, in infrared, was used in capturing the picture. This is considered to be one of the sharpest observations of the planet ever made from the ground.

INTERNATIONAL GEMINI OBSERVATORY/NOIRLAB/NSF/AURA M.H. WONG (UC BERKELEY)

In achieving the resolution, the scientists had to use the “lucky imaging” technique. This would mean scrubbing out the blurring effect of looking through Earth’s turbulent atmosphere. This also involves acquiring multiple exposures of the target, only keeping the segments of an image where turbulence is at minimum.

The study which produced this image was led from the University of California at Berkeley. It was a joint programme of observations involving Hubble and the Juno spacecraft.

When all the taken “lucky shots” were put together in a mosaic, the clear and unimaginable imahe of Jupiter surprised us all.