MAYOR Isko Moreno has implemented a series of measures aimed at stemming, if not totally eliminating COVID-19 cases in Manila beginning with the offer of P100,000 reward for COVID-free barangays or those that will be able to maintain a zero COVID case within their area of jurisdiction starting yesterday, September 1.
Moreno also announced that the curfew in the entire city will remain, although it will again be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The mayor added that the claim of any barangay will be validated by the city government which will base its findings on the data coming from the public and private hospitals located within the city. The validation will be undertaken by the Manila Health Department headed by its chief, Dr. Arnold ‘Poks’ Pangan.
Moreno directed assistant secretary to the mayor Letlet Zarcal to coordinate with Vice Mayor and Council Presiding Officer Honey Lacuna for the enactment of a city ordinance that will fund the said measure.
Zarcal said the incentive for COVID-free barangays will be given for those that will not register any COVID cases from September 1 to October 31, 2020.
Meanwhile, alongside the order for the implementation of the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew as the city reverts to general community quarantine (GCQ) once again, Moreno issued Executive Order No. 37 emphasizing the strict implementation of COVID-19 related rules and regulations for internet cafes, gyms and fitness studios and sports facilities.
Under the EO which was attested to by secretary to the mayor Bernie Ang, Moreno said internet cafes are allowed to reopen at thirty percent operation capacity limited only for work or educational purposes and subject to mandatory minimum health standards and protocols including proper wearing of face masks and face shields at all times inside the estsblishments which were also told to practice social distancing.
Gyms and fitness studios are allowed to reopen beginning at thirty percent operation capacity limited only to individual workouts. Group workout sessions composed of two or more persons shall be strictly prohibited.
Ang added mandatory minimum health standards and protocols are to be implemented including wearing of face masks and face shields by clients upon entry and while inside the premises of the establishment, unless during actual workout or exercise when they can take off their mask after every set. Instructors and staff must wear face masks and face shields at all times. All persons inside these establishments must also practice proper social distancing.
Ang said sports facilities are allowed to resume operations limited only to non-contact sports and other forms of exercise such as walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, range shooting and skateboarding using an outdoor setting only.
Restaurants and cafes located inside such sports facilities are allowed at thirty percent venue capacity only. Mandatory minimum health standards and protocols are to be implemented in these establishments, including proper wearing of face masks and face shields as well as practicing social distancing.
Violation of the EO by any natural or juridical person shall lead to the revocation of its mayor’s and business permits, Moreno warned.
