‘WELCOME TO THE NEW NORMAL’: Face masks, physical distancing are a must in city

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

Wearing of face masks in public and physical distancing, especially in public transportation, will be the “new normal” in Iloilo City as it gradually reopens today, May 16, 2020, under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

City Mayor Jerry Treñas issued on Friday Executive Order (EO) No. 075 that set the guidelines of the GCQ in Iloilo City from May 16 to May 30.

The EO still restricts the movement of vulnerable sectors such as persons more than 59 years of age; persons below 21 years old; persons with co-morbidities, immunodeficiencies and other risk factors; and persons with disabilities.

They will only be allowed to go out to buy food, medicines, and other essentials; seek medical or clinical care, hospital visits and consultations.

To jumpstart the economy, EO 75 allowed business establishments in the city to reopen, except for a few restrictions.

Under the EO, agriculture and fisheries industry and its entire value chain, including manufacturing and processing plants of basic food products, essential products, medicines, and medical supplies, are allowed to open.

Hospital, medical clinics, including dental, eyes, ears, nose, throat (EENT) clinics will be allowed to operate provided they follow strict health standards.

Retail establishments such as groceries, supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, drug stores including sari-sari stores and wet markets shall be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Banks shall operate between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The EO also allows malls and commercial services to open provided that dining services shall remain closed.

Food preparation industry will be allowed provided that dine-in clients are strictly prohibited

Business and knowledge processes outsourcing (BPOs and KPOs) firms can also operate provided that workers are provided with on-site accommodations or shuttle services or alternative work arrangements to maintain a 50 percent workforce at the work site

Barbershops, parlors, salons are also allowed to operate but they are subject to compliance with strict health standards.

The city government emphasized that all establishments in Iloilo City should strictly follow a set of health hazards, particularly the observance of physical distancing at their respective workplaces; strict observance of physical distancing of at least one meter apart; and constant disinfecting measures in high-traffic and frequently touched areas or spaces.

Hand sanitizers and alcohol should also be provided and physical distancing markers should be conspicuously placed within the premises of the establishments.

The EO also orders the mandatory use of face masks in all establishments.

However, other establishments such as spas, massage centers, facial centers and the like; gyms, fitness studios, and other sports facilities; libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities; travel agency and tour operators; resorts, parks, beaches and other leisure/tourism establishments shall remain closed during the GCQ.

Amusement centers including movie houses, theaters, computer and online gaming shops, all night clubs, pubs, cockpits, and computer shops are also not allowed to operate.

In transportation, operations of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and public utility buses (PUBs) should comply with the provisions of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Memorandum Circular No. 2020-017.

Under the EO, drivers, conductors, and commuters of public utility vehicles (PUVs) and taxis are required to wear face masks. A “No Face Mask, No Ride Policy” shall also be imposed.

Fares shall be collected before a passenger boards PUJ or PUB. Drivers must also disinfect their vehicles before and after trips

The EO also mandates that non-permeable material or acetate must be installed inside the PUV to separate the driver from the passengers.

For taxis, a non-permeable transparent material should also seal off the driver from the passenger area.

Moreover, PUVs including buses, modern jeepneys, and shuttle services must only board around 50 percent of its capacity.

The city government also allows back-riding for motorcycles.

Treñas has said that quarantine passes and border restrictions will no longer be required for Panay residents but in the EO, passengers from Guimaras shall be required to present a quarantine pass.

As thousands of returning workers are expected to flood Iloilo City today, the mayor appealed to the public to remain vigilant and practice safety measures.

“I know we are all excited sa GCQ. But, let me remind the public to remain vigilant. Let us remain vigilant. That is why I am constantly reminding everyone to practice physical distancing and use face masks at all times,” he said in a press conference on Friday.