Iloilo City prohibits non-essential travels anew

Strict quarantine measures will be imposed on the entire Iloilo City while the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) is in effect until June 15, 2021.

Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order (EO) No. 50-A imposing restrictions of non-essential travels in Iloilo City effective today, June 4, 2021.

Under the EO, non-essential travel into and from all barangays in Iloilo City shall be restricted except for authorized persons outside residence (APORs) or persons enumerated under Sec. 3 of the same order.

The EO also mandates the issuance of quarantine passes to be presented by one household member who will leave the premises of their house to access necessities and essential services.

Quarantine passes may be personally obtained by the head of the household or his/her representative from their respective punong barangays.

On Thursday, some barangays have started issuing quarantine passes, particularly Bo. Obrero in Lapuz; Nabitasan in Lapaz; and in Calumpang and North Baluarte in Molo.

“Across all settings, it is highly encouraged that persons securing the quarantine pass should not belong to any vulnerable sectors such as pregnant women; persons aged 18 years old or below and elderlies aged 65 years old and above; and persons with co-morbidities,” Treñas said.

Exempted from the restrictions on travels are APORs such as health and emergency frontline service personnel, medical professionals, employees, and staff of Department of Health (DOH) and private healthcare providers; government officials and personnel; justices, judge, court employees, prosecutors, and lawyers; persons travelling for medical or humanitarian reasons.

Also exempted from the quarantine passes requirement are public utility vehicle operators; media workers; delivery personnel; business processing outsourcing (BPO) and export-oriented business personnel; and other APORs mentioned under Sec. 3 of the EO.

The EO also prohibits all forms of mass gathering. Religious denominations are hereby encouraged to adopt virtual means to pursue religious services and activities.

Necrological and funeral services which necessitates church venue may proceed provided that only immediate (first degree) family members will be allowed to attend.

Meanwhile, establishments and offices operating within Iloilo City are enjoined to ensure proper compliance of persons accessing basic necessities and essential services and are directed to require entrants to present valid quarantine passes/travel passes duly issued by the company or office IDs for proof of identification.

On Wednesday, the city recorded an all-time high number of COVID-19 cases with 124.

The cases include 93 local transmissions and 14 City Hall employees. (ERS)