LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The municipal government called on the residents in the town’s sixteen barangays to strictly comply with the prescribed rules and regulations governing the implementation of the general community quarantine (GCQ) in the municipality as the ongoing battle against the rapid spread of the dreaded Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is far from over.
Mayor Romeo K. Salda disclosed that all persons coming from other areas must observe the prescribed 14-day quarantine while people are still mandated to stay at home, minimize contact, maintain physical distancing at least 1 meter apart, leave home only for basic necessities, emergencies and official business matters.
He also reminded that residents must wear their face masks pursuant to Ordinance No. 4, series of 2020, avoid touching the face, especially the mouth and nose, wash hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water, if not available, people must use alcohol or hand sanitizer.
The municipal chief executive ordered all establishments in the municipality to obey rules on sanitation, disinfection, physical distancing and have disinfectants readily available for public use at the entrance and exit.
Mayor Salda also directed law enforcers, barangay officials and deputized barangay tanods and volunteers to strictly implement the town’s anti-smoking ordinance, Ordinance No. 8, series of 2014, and no spitting of moma in public places, Ordinance No. 33, series of 2018, among other important rules and regulations to ensure cleanliness in the locality.
According to him, until further notice, liquor ban will still be in effect in the municipality and to lessen the risk of community infection, residents will be prohibited from wearing short pants, dresses or skirts, slippers or sandals, and sleeveless shirts.
He emphasized there will be limited movement of all persons in the municipality and any individual below 20 years old, those who are 60 years old and above, those with immune-deficiency, co-morbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant women should remain in their residences at all times, except when obtaining essential goods and services, emergency medical purposes or for work in permitted industries and offices.
Further, persons 60 years old and above may be allowed to work in the office, provided, such person is physically fit to work and move around where a special pass will be provided by the barangay for the said purpose.
On the other hand, private gatherings are discouraged while public gatherings are prohibited that included masses, forms of worship, fiestas, general assemblies, seminars, public hearings, rallies, movie screenings, concerts, sporting events and other entertainment activities, non-essential work gatherings and similar events.
He added that work in government offices may be at full operational capacity, or under such alternative work arrangements while banks and financial services; businesses involved in agriculture, forestry and fisheries and their workers, including farmers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, fisherfolk and agri-fishery stores and such other components of the food value chain, shall be at full operational capacity.
Medical, dental, eyes, ears, nose and throat clinics and law and accounting offices will be on an appointment basis only.
By Hent
Photo by Armando M. Bolislis
