Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. is urging Ilonggos to stay home and reflect this Holy Week instead of going out for an excursion.

Defensor, in his press conference Friday afternoon, said before people just stay home and reflect in observance of the Holy Week.

“It was only in recent years that Holy Week has become a vacation season,” he said.

The governor said people flocking to resorts are the provincial government’s weakest link when it comes to its efforts in containing the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“Let this be a peaceful week for all of us,” he said

He said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government units (LGUs) have to exercise their visitorial power to check on the compliance of accommodation establishments.

Since the province is on modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status, tourist destinations should observe the 50-percent capacity.

He added that accommodation establishments should have health protocol officers to ensure safety regulations are followed.

“We are asking the PNP and LGUs to closely monitor and regulate,” he said, noting that cases in the province have been controlled.

The number of infections is expected to decline toward the end of the month with the travel restrictions for people coming from the National Capital Region (NCR), considered as one of the sources of local cases in the province.

The more or less 20 cases recorded daily is still a result of the surge in cases in the past weeks, he added.

“It would be better if it will taper down as a result of the health protocols that we are implementing right now,” the governor said.

Meantime, for those going to resorts and tourism destinations, Defensor said they should not come in big groups or hold parties.

He added that a small group such as family members staying in their own cottage is reasonable as long they follow the health protocols. (PNA)