Mayor Jerry Treñas said the Iloilo City government will be more aggressive in implementing and promoting health protocols as it is set to slide to a more relaxed quarantine status, Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) starting today Sept 1, 2020.
According to Treñas, the city is left with no choice but to allow more activities to sustain the economy despite the increasing cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“The cases are increasing but I think we have to allow more activities since we all cannot sustain the economic slowdown. We have to be more aggressive in promoting the health protocols. We should definitely try to use all forms of media to remind everyone. These are very difficult times,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
In a radio interview, Treñas said they did not anymore appeal the city’s quarantine status with the national Inter-Agency Task Force (NIATF).
Hence, the city will heed the proposed quarantine status of the national task force which is to slide from General Community Quarantine (GCQ) to the more relaxed MGCQ.
Initially, Treñas said the liquor ban implemented in the city will be lifted under the MGCQ. Curfew hours will also be adjusted from 8 pm to 4 am to 10 pm to 4 am.
Moreover, operating capacity of restaurants will be allowed up to 75%.
The mayor said the cooperation of all sectors in the metro is a must especially that more activities will be allowed under the MGCQ, thus upping the risk of spreading the disease.
On Wednesday, Sept 2, Treñas is set to meet with station managers and heads of the local media as the city will utilize all platforms – broadcast, print, and digital – and intensify its promotion of health protocols. (ERS)
