Quarantine passes, curfew back in Cebu City

BY CALVIN CORDOVA

CEBU CITY – The use of quarantine passes and the 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew are back in effect here.

City Mayor Edgardo Labella announced the re-imposition of these restrictions that were temporarily suspended to allow more people to attend the “Simbang Gabi” and “Misa de Gallo.”

The mayor had suspended the use of quarantine passes and enforcement of curfew from Dec. 15 to 25 in deference to the observance of Christmas.

City Councilor Joel Garganera, head of the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), described the return of the two policies as “very crucial.”

“The resumption of the mayor’s EO (Executive Order) regarding the quarantine pass and curfew is very crucial in  the next few weeks because there were too many movements and gatherings since the start of this month,” said Garganera.

Garganera said some health protocols may have been eased for 10 days, but the EOC was confident that there would be no increase in new COVID-19 cases.

“We are not expecting but we are more than ready if there is a spike of new cases,” said Garganera.

Gaganera said the city “did great” in enforcing health protocols despite the huge crowds that attended the nine-day dawn masses in 35 churches in the city.

Meanwhile, Despite the threat brought about by  COVID-19, the city will push through with the holding of the Sinulog Grand Showdown in January but “strictly with no audience.”

Vice Mayor Michael Rama also revealed that the Grand Showdown will now be held at the open parking space of SM Seaside at South Road Properties (SRP).

For years, the much-anticipated event was held at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

The Grand Showdown will be held on Jan. 17.

“This is our challenge now. We need to adapt because we are still in pandemic so no audience allowed,” Rama said in an interview with radio station dyLA.

The public may watch the event virtually since it will be streamed live. (Calvin Cordova)