Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi is set to reimpose the “No Movement Sunday” policy here starting August 16 following the re-emergence of new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.

Her decision was prompted by a report from local health authorities that two workers of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center tested positive for Covid-19 in less than 24 hours after she announced a “zero” case of the virus in the city on Wednesday.

The workers have no recent travel history and are not in direct contact with Covid-19 patients in the hospital, according to hospital officials.

“It means that Cotabato City is still not safe and the virus still poses an imminent danger to all of us,” the mayor said on her Facebook page Wednesday night.

She urged city residents to continue practicing minimum health standards “as we are facing an intense crisis” and learn to adapt to the “new normal” especially when going out.

“I know we still have a long way. But we shall continue to act on every challenge that we encounter or else the virus will spread uncontrollably,” she said.

“Local transport system is suspended on Sunday and only those with emergency cases are allowed to go to hospitals,” she added.

Only drug stores would remain open and front-liners are allowed on the streets on Sundays. Violators face sanctions.

“Do not violate the law because I will not hesitate to impose the full force of the law, no matter who you are,” she warned.

Abelardo Peña, a member of the Cotabato City Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, said they would abide by the order as public health is also foremost among their concerns.

“We also have families to protect (from the virus) so there is nothing wrong if we follow orders from the local government,” he said in the vernacular. (PNA)