City clamps down on mass gathering

Iloilo City limits religious gatherings, food establishments, and workplaces up to 30% amid sudden spike of COVID-19

Despite being under the more lenient modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) classification, Iloilo City is imposing more stringent restrictions on mass gatherings effective Wednesday following a surge in COVID-19 cases in the past days.

Mayor Jerry Treñas signed Executive Order (EO) No. 39-A on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, providing additional health interventions to be imposed in the metro to curb the increasing COVID-19 cases.

The EO limited religious gatherings, food establishments, and workplaces to 30% capacity to avoid mass gatherings.

“To prevent further Covid-19 transmission in the city, I signed EO No. 39-A providing additional health interventions effective 6:00 p.m. of May 12, 2021 until 11:59 p.m. of May 19. Your cooperation will greatly help in the protection of everyone in the city,” he said on Wednesday.

The EO prohibits non-essential mass gatherings particularly gatherings which are purely recreational, for leisure, or that which is not intended for medical and/or humanitarian purposes.

Public outdoor and indoor swimming pools, hotels, establishments condominiums with swimming amenities will also temporarily stop accepting persons and guests for a period of one week from May 12, 2021 until May 19 unless extended or otherwise.

 

RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS

Under the EO, religious gatherings remain unhampered subject to a maximum of 30% venue/seating capacity.

Likewise, the maximum number of attendees for wedding and baptism ceremonies shall be 30% of the venue/seating capacity or 80 pax, whichever is lower.

Wakes and funeral services shall be limited to the deceased person’s immediate family and relatives up to the third degree of consanguinity.

“Wakes held indoors should ensure proper ventilation and shall accommodate no more than fifteen (15) persons visiting at a time. Funeral rites held at churches and similar venues must strictly observe the maximum 30% venue/seating capacity.”

The maximum number of days for the conduct of wakes shall be three (3) days from the time the remains of the deceased are first displayed no matter whether the family or significant others of the deceased choose more than one venue for the same.

Meanwhile, burial services may accommodate a greater number of attendees provided that all attendees are relatives of the deceased up to the third (3rd) degree of consanguinity. Across all settings, the minimum public health protocols such as wearing face masks and face shields, frequent handwashing and physical distancing must be observed at all times.

 

ESTABLISHMENTS

Section 3 of the EO prohibits the operation of entertainment venues such as karaoke bars, bars. clubs. concert halls, theaters and kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom and kiddie rides.

Moreover, cockfighting and operation of cockpits are also not permitted, except for the sole purpose of conducting e-sabong licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

On the other hand, food establishments in the city must observe a 30% dine-in capacity.

 

WORKPLACES

As to the workplaces, private establishments and offices are enjoined to operate at 30% working capacity while encouraging work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements, where applicable. Subject to modification as the COVID-19 situation in the city may warrant.

For Iloilo City Government employees, department Heads are directed to adopt work arrangements that entail only 30% percent onsite capacity, insofar as practicable.

Similarly, agencies and instrumentalities of the government are also enjoined to operate at 30% on-site capacity as determined by the head of agency, in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements to limit the numbers of employees working onsite are also highly encouraged.

Based on the data from the City Health Office (CHO), Iloilo City recorded a 133% increase in the number of Covid-19 cases from May 1 to May 11 with 309 cases. This is a sharp increase compared to the only 128 cases logged last April in the same period.

On Wednesday, the city recorded 13 additional Covid-19 cases as of 12 noon. (ERS)