Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) curve has flattened here, the local government welcomed the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to place the capital city under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) for another month.

Last Monday, Duterte announced that the “rest of the country” would be placed under MGCQ. It included this city and Cebu province as a whole.

“After a month of being under less stringent quarantine measures, I am glad to say that Cebu City was able to keep virus transmission down,” Mayor Edgardo Labella said in a statement posted on his official social media page on Thursday.

He said he issued Executive Order (EO) 94 “reiterating the guidelines for residents, workers, businesses, public transport, government facilities, and other establishments” under the downgraded quarantine status.

The EO prohibits residents from roaming around except when reporting for work or buying necessities.

Labella said “only one member of the household is allowed to go out” in accessing essential goods and services and should always carry the quarantine pass issued by the city government.

Residents who are below 21 years old and 60 years old and above as well as those with immunodeficiency and comorbidities are required to remain in their homes, he said.

The EO also listed down “negative activities” which are not allowed due to the impossibility of avoiding mass gathering and imposing physical distancing. These are: holding of traditional cockfighting and cockpit operation, holding of concerts, and operation of beerhouses and amusement parks.

Meanwhile, the city allowed religious services, work conferences, and sporting events but with a 50-percent limit in attendance.

“The virus is still in our midst. This is not the time to let our guard down. We carry on with the policies that have kept us safe: going out only for essential activities, wearing a mask and face shield, observing physical distancing, and regularly washing or sanitizing hands,” Labella said.

The mayor attributed the flattening of the curve in the city to the cooperation of the residents, especially in religiously following the minimum health and safety protocols.

In a bulletin released Wednesday night, the Department of Health in Central Visayas reported that the total active cases in the region are only 380, with 13 additional recoveries, 12 new active cases, and zero deaths. (PNA)