By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – The city government of San Carlos prohibited the holding of caroling and other events that entail gathering of large number of people in view of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Rene Gustilo issued Executive Order No. 269 series of 2020 prohibiting parties, reunions, social gatherings, caroling and sporting events due to the increasing COVID-19 cases in the city.
The mayor said it has been reported in TV and newspapers that the gathering of people usually causes the spread of COVID-19.
He said that the records of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) substantially show that the surge of local transmission is due to the holding of parties where there is mass gathering.
“There is a need to prevent mass gathering and other activities which will involve and/or invite large number of individuals, making them vulnerable to COVID-19 transmission,” the EO further said.
Gustilo also said that the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has recommended the prohibition of parties, Christmas parties, reunions, caroling and sporting events, as proactive measure to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The prohibition is also an expression of sympathy to city residents affected by lockdowns and strict quarantine protocols and those who lost their jobs because of the pandemic, the mayor said.
However, churches can hold services provided that the attendees shall be limited to 50% of the seating capacity of the church, and that the health protocols will be strictly imposed, Gustilo added.
On the other hand, Don Salvador Benedicto Mayor Marxlen Dela Cruz said that he sees no problem if residents in the locality hold gatherings as long as they strictly observe the basic health protocols.
