SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon (PIA) – With the continuing surge of COVID-19 cases in Sorsogon province, then local government of Gubat has issued Executive Order 2022-02 providing guidelines in managing and strengthening further the local COVID-19 response in the municipality.
“Health and safety of everyone is our paramount concern, hence, the spread of the disease must be prevented particularly that there is a recent spike of cases in the municipality of Gubat,” said Mayor Sharon G. Escoto.
The order covers enforcement of curfew, alcohol consumption, mass gatherings, sports/exercise and other recreations, motorcades, regulation of tourism establishments, tourist requirements, public transportation and cargo trucks drivers, and requirements for returning residents, among others.
On enforcement of curfew
Enforcement of curfew is from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. All establishments shall be closed at the start of the curfew hour. Open establishments are limited to emergency establishments such as pharmacies, hospital, lying-in clinics and public safety offices.
On alcohol consumption
LGU-Gubat does not impose liquor ban, however, drinking are only allowed inside the residence. Serving liquor in restaurants, bars and other establishments are prohibited.
On mass gatherings
Big events or mass gatherings are not allowed. Permitted, however, are small public gatherings such as birthday parties, housewarming, baby shower, family occasion as long as maximum number of persons to attend based on the number capacity of the venue will be followed – indoor venue: 20 people; outdoor venue – 40 people.
Essential public gatherings are also allowed like masses/worships, weddings, baptisms and receptions.
For weddings, baptisms and receptions, 30% of attendees in the area premises are permitted provided the two-meter physical distancing is followed.
For funeral wakes and internment, non-COVID related deaths are given 3-day funeral wake, however, cadavers shall be buried within 12 hours for COVID-19 deaths or deaths due to other related diseases.
Crowding during wakes shall strictly be regulated ensuring two-meter social distancing and allowing 10 visitors only for every 15 minutes. Fully vaccinated individuals may extend beyond 15 minutes. A logbook to monitor visitors shall also be kept.
Likewise, a four-square meter rule shall be observed to get the maximum number of persons during internment.
On sports, exercise and other recreations
Outdoor exercises are permitted like running, jogging, cycling, brisk walking but limited to two-partners only, observing the 2-meter rule. Removal of face masks while doing the exercise are permitted but zumba and group exercises are not allowed, likewise contact sports like volleyball, basketball, football, and the like, including intra and inter-barangay sporting events are prohibited.
On motorcades
Vehicle-based parades and motorcades are allowed following the 30km/h speed. When joined by motorcycle or bicycle, organizers shall ensure no back-rides and that minimum health protocols are followed. Gathering of participants at the start and end of the activity is prohibited.
Barangay captains in the motorcade route shall ensure that by-standers and on-lookers wear face masks and face shields and observe physical distancing. Processions are also banned.
On regulation of tourism establishments
Tourism establishments are permitted to operate on 50% area capacity for indoor and outdoor services strictly observing the minimum health protocols. Enclosed/airconditioned establishments shall maintain good ventilation and fresh air.
On tourist requirements
Only aged 18 to 65 years old with vaccination cards will be allowed inside the establishments.
Individuals or tourists from outside the province need to present their Vaccination Certificate (VaxCertPH) from DOH. Non-vaccinated individuals shall present SARS-COV2 Antigen test or RT-PCR test and pass through the Bicol University Quarantine Facility (BUQF).
Requirements for returning residents and non-residents
All individuals to enter the municipality of Gubat from outside the province of Sorsogon shall present the following documents:
A - Fully Vaccinated – Vaccination Certificate from VaxCertPH (https:/vaxcert.doh.gov.ph/) and Letter of Acceptance from the destination barangay certifying that members of the accepting household aged 12 and above are all vaccinated. For fully vaccinated with VaxCert but accepting households are not yet vaccinated, returning individual shall present valid negative Covid-19 test results.
B – Non-Vaccinated – Valid Negative SARS COV2 Antigen test or RT-PCR test result issued by a DOH-licensed COVID-19 testing laboratory from the place of origin and Letter of Acceptance from the accepting barangay.
C – Non-Vaccinated and no negative COVID-19 test results – Letter of Acceptance from the accepting barangay indicating that the individual is subject to quarantine at the BUQF or in a protocol-compliant residence that can serve as isolation area.
D – Individuals caught to present a fake RT-PCR/Antigen test results or Vaccination Card – Mandatory 14-day quarantine in a facility and will be charged for violating Section 9 of RA 11332.
On public transportation
Operation of public transportation is limited to 50% seating capacity and limited to “one seat apart”. Passengers are required to wear facemask while on travel.
For Manila-Gubat bus operations, it shall ensure that passengers follow the requirements indicated in Sec 6 of this EO. All bus operators need to submit a manifest at LGU Gubat before arrival in Gubat town. All passengers shall be unloaded at BUQF for assessment.
All public transport shall follow the fare tariff as specified in the Municipal Ordinance 2020-026.
On cargo truck drivers
Travelers carrying agricultural and other products to and from outside of Sorsogon shall proceed directly to the designated isolation facility upon arrival in Gubat.
On hospital and other medical facilities
All COVID-19 and other related diseases deaths are to be reported immediately to LGU.
The EO advises that all Gubatnons who experience COVID-19 symptoms shall consult medical authorities for immediate medical attention. All individuals shall also follow the minimum public health protocols.
Rural Health Unit (RHU), PNP, barangay officials and Gubat Inter-Agency Task Force shall be responsible for the monitoring and enforcement of the EO.bProvisions in the EO took effect in Gubat on Friday, January 21, 2022.
In the latest DOH-CHD Bicol COVID-19 updates dated January 25, 2022, Gubat town has recorded a total of 554 COVID-19 cases with 54 deaths. (BAR/PIA5-Sorsogon)
