Bohol downgraded to MGCQ; travel ban holds until July 15

CORTES, Bohol, July 6 (PIA) -- In line with the national government’s identification of Bohol as among the low-risk areas for the spread of the corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19), Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap placed the entire Bohol under a state of Modified General Community Quarantine and extended the suspension of inbound domestic air and sea travel of passengers.

Through Executive Order No. 33 which the governor signed on June 30, 2020, the adoption of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Omnibus Guidelines with some modifications is imposed over Bohol from July 1 to July 15, 2020.

However, the repatriation of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWS), locally stranded individuals (LSI), and travel of authorized persons outside residence (APOR) continues under strict quarantine and testing protocols.

MODIFIED. With Executive Order No. 33 series of 2020, Gov. Arthur Yap has allowed the opening of dine-in services in the food industry sector, with strict adherence to health and sanitation standards and protocols. Religious gatherings, too, are allowed with those attending filling 50 percent of the venue’s capacity. (PIA Bohol/PRIMER)

The modifications include a province-wide general curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., where minors may break their mandatory curfew every Friday and Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. as long as they are accompanied by their parents or guardians and for senior citizens 65 years old and above, they may break their curfew every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m..

The modification also includes the use of a Home Quarantine Pass System, the suspension of face-to-face classes, partial liquor ban, physical distancing, and mandatory use of face masks.

Under MGCQ, the order has also allowed the opening of industries and establishments under strict minimum standards.

Here, dine-in services for food industry sector is now allowed at 50 percent capacity, following inspection by local chief executives to assure compliance to the minimum health and sanitation standards.

Hotels and accommodations accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) may operate after obtaining the DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate, following the nod of DOT, DILG and LGU. 

The Executive Order also increases the number of persons in attendance to masses and religious gatherings to 50 percent of the venue capacity, and presses on the continued ban on public and mass gatherings, concerts, sporting and athletic events and socio cultural events including home receptions of weddings and other home gatherings.

As the IATF has allowed indoor and outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercises like walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, skateboarding and range shooting following minimum health standards, the order stresses on no borrowing of sports equipment.

Contact sports under the MGCQ remain to be prohibited, while fitness gyms can operate now at 50 percent capacity but only after obtaining Mayor’s clearance to be assured of compliance to minimum health standards.

The MGCQ declaration also mandates internet shops, cinemas, bars, night clubs, and KTV bars to remain closed as with cockfighting and gambling activities. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)    

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)