Mayor Edgardo Labella places Cebu City under “community quarantine” from March 16 until April 14, 2020 to control the spread of the pandemic, the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Though a lot of preventive measures have been imposed, placing the city under Community Quarantine is believed to be one of the best options for the government to protect the people.

With all these happenings, here are the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Community Quarantine in Cebu:

• What is the difference between a Lockdown and Community Quarantine?

– During Lockdown, everyone is mandated to stay at home. The Government will be providing all their basic needs. Relief goods will also be brought to every house. Only one member per household is allowed to go out to buy food or personal necessities.

– On the other hand, during Community Quarantine, Everyone is allowed to go outside of their home, attend to their jobs. However, you are only allowed to do all these within your community.

• When did the Community Quarantine imposed?

– Mayor Edgardo Labella imposed the Community Quarantine period from March 16 at 11:59PM until April 14, 2020.

• What happens during a Community Quarantine?

– Community Quarantine restricts travelling in and out of Cebu City. This is done to control the spread of the pandemic.

– Classes in all levels are suspended and mass gatherings are also prohibited.

– Private establishments are encouraged to allow their employees to work from home during this period.

• Are malls and other commercial establishments still open during this period?

– Yes. Malls and other commercial establishments in Cebu are still allowed to operate, but are mandated to close at 8PM.

• Where can we buy our medicines if malls are already closed?

– Even though malls and other commercial establishments are mandated to shut down at 8PM, medical centers and pharmacies, or even health-care clinics are still allowed to operate beyond 8PM.

• Are we safe when we enter malls?

– Malls are advised to check their visitors’ body temperature and place hand sanitizers / alcohol for mall-goers’ usage.

• Until when will the suspension of classes last?

– Mayor Edgardo Labella extended the suspension of classes in both public and private institutions at all levels until April 14, 2020.

• Will government services be available during this period?

– According to Mayor Labella, government work is not disrupted despite the issuance of an executive order placing the entire city under “General Community Quarantine.”

– However, city government workers will only be reporting for work from 8AM to 6PM, Mondays to Thursdays.

• Can I still travel to Cebu?

– Seaports in the city were already closed for arriving passengers, except for the cargo deliveries of our essential goods.

• Will a curfew be implemented?

– Yes. A 9-hour curfew has already been implemented in the city from 8PM to 5AM.

• Will we still be able to buy our necessities?

– Yes. Personal necessities will still be accessible.

– However, Mayor Labella banned the sale of liquor during this period.

Though everyone is still allowed to leave their homes, everyone is also encouraged to just stay at home and keep themselves safe. Let us join together in praying for this pandemic to come to an end.

COVID-19 Cebu

As the threat of the Coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 rises every day, the Cebu province has taken a proactive approach and is pulling all stops in protecting the island. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 and its symptoms: https://sugbo.ph/2020/corona-virus-in-cebu/

With this, an Executive Order was issued for the implementation of the drastic but necessary measures to avoid the spread of the virus. For more information, head on to: https://sugbo.ph/2020/cebu-implements-drastic-measures/

If you are sick and think you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical attention, call the local Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice: 0922-397-2334 / 0943-568-3298 / (032) 402-3091 / (032) 402-1269.

Disinfectant alcohol was the first one to go out of stock amid the spread of COVID-19. It is essential to the public, but most especially to the medical workers.

The global pandemic has caused panic but also generous actions from industry giants, like San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

As a way to help in the fight over COVID-19, SMC is planning to use their Ginebra San Miguel Inc. facility, a liquor production plant, to produce disinfectant alcohol for donation and distribution to communities, LGU’s and public hospitals.

“We have the means and the capability to produce this and make it available for free to LGUs and public hospitals,”

Ramon Ang – SMC President and COO

Awaiting the government clearance, they have already started producing the disinfectant alcohol and are now being used by the company employees.

“We are working on getting the necessary clearances from the relevant government agencies, to produce this for public use. We ask that they help expedite clearances,”

– Ramon Ang

SMC is planning to donate the alcohol in bulk, in 20-liter containers up to 1,000-liter tote tanks, which may be used to disinfect government, healthcare, and public facilities.

San Miguel stated that the alcohol being produced out of their liquor factory is made from fermented molasses.

Alibaba founder, Jack Ma, and “Ang Pambanasang Kamao”, Manny Pacquiao, have joined hands to help in the fight against COVID-19.

With fear and panic currently spreading in the Philippines, it is really nice to hear that help and consideration are also flooding in our country.

Senator Manny Pacquiao and Chinese billionaire Jack Ma have partnered and pledged to donate 50,000 test kits for the novel corona virus, COVID-19.

“We’re excited to announce the Jack Ma Foundation, in partnership with Pacquiao Foundation is pledging 50,000 test kits to combat COVID-19 in the Philippines,”

Manny Pacquiao said in an Instagram post.

The sad case found earlier that the Department of Health only has 2,000 COVID-19 testing kits may have spurred people to take action and help as much as they can. 

“With everything that’s happening around the world today, there is no better time to unite and do whatever we can to help each other,”

Pacquiao added.

Our country is under a state of public health emergency, as it is great that we are receiving a lot of help, we should all do our part and stay home, stay safe and stay informed.