Guimaras mulls next steps vs. COVID-19

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

Guimaras Vice Governor John Edward Gando on Tuesday said that the province will decide on its next step by Thursday, May 14, 2020 in relation to the latest pronouncement of the National Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (NIATFMEID).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced on May 12 said the community quarantine in Western Visayas will be lifted after May 15 upon recommendation of the IATF-EID in Resolution No. 35.

According to Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, classification of risks are based on the Case Doubling Time, or the length of time that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases would accelerate; and the Critical Care Utilization Rate, or the rate at which the capacity of healthcare facilities in the area are utilized.

Vergeire explained that Low Risk areas have a Case Doubling Time of more than 30 days, and a Critical Care Utilization Rate of less than 30 percent.

Guimaras is under GCQ since May 1 via Executive Order (EO) No. 44 issued by Governor Samuel Gumarin on April 30. It will expire on May 15.

Gumarin initially placed the province under ECQ via EO No. 43 issued on April 9 and took effect from April 15 to April 30.

Guimaras remains COVID-free as of May 12, 2020.

Gando said the island province respects the NIATFMEID’s recommendation but they will still implement measures against COVID-19.

“We cannot go against the declaration of the [IATF-EID] that once we are under low risk, quarantine of whatever kind shall be lifted. But we are not putting our regulations and protocol down against the spread of the disease,” Gando said.

He said that a new EO implementing a “modified” Level 1 response under the Guimaras COVID-19 Response Initiative will be issued.

Under the current GCQ, the province is in Modified Response Level 2, which imposes strict entry and exit regulations with limited exceptions, and total closure of non-essential establishments.

The modified Level 1 response will be implemented even if the province will decide to exit the GCQ.

“Effective May 16, we will have a modified Level 1 response but it may no longer be under GCQ or modified GCQ. There would no business as usual as we will still be effecting some modified regulations more particularly on the in and out of individuals in the province,” he said.