Capiz wants to remain under GCQ for now

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz— Capiz Governor Esteban Evan ‘Nonoy’ Contreras appealed to the National Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to retain the province under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

Contreras said while the province has been free of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for three weeks already, they should not be complacent especially that there are still cases in other parts of Panay Island.

He said that he wanted to prolong the GCQ status of the province until May 31.

But in case the national office will turn down his appeal, then he will implement the policy on minimum health protocols in order to prevent the spread of the disease even as Capiz and the rest of Western Visayas was classified as low-risk area for COVID-19.

In case the IATF-EID will favor his appeal, Contreras said he will immediately amend Executive Order No. 18 which sets the guidelines on repatriated Overseas Filipino Worker (OFWs) and locally-stranded repatriates.

Meanwhile, Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas said their main concern if the GCQ is lifted is the influx of people entering Roxas City.

Dadivas said he met barangay captains to discuss the matter and present the city government’s plans “that would require their full support and cooperation.”

“Part of the plan is the reinstallation of border checkpoints, observance of health protocol and other precautionary measures for our returning residents. Preparation and prevention are key for survival against the unseen enemy,” Dadivas said.