City gov’t warn people not to flock when movement restrictions lifted
The city government earlier outlined guidelines on lifting restrictions on movement and warned people not to flock to malls, shopping centers and the city’s public market.
City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena said on thursday in a meeting with some members of the business sector that they decided to start this Wednesday, June 1, the implementation of a more relaxed quarantine measures through the removal of movement pass after the city was included in areas classified as low risk for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and placed under MGCQ.
Meanwhile, Mayor Ogena emphasized that as the city government strives to manage the public health crisis as its best, there is still a need to implement a balance approach to help the economy recover after the covid-19 community quarantine had shut businesses and sapped consumption in the city’s key economic engine. Also, he hopes to direct their efforts and the cooperation of the business sector towards reversing the damage done by the pandemic to the city’s economy. “We are the regional center, hindi naton e-restrict ang pumapasok dito”, the Mayor said.
Based on the recommendation of the issued Resolution No. 1 of the City of Koronadal Task Force Against Covid-19, beginning July 1, malls, shopping centers and the city’s public market will no longer require the movement pass. In addition, non-residents will not be required to present a proof based on the agreement set for purchasers coming from other municipalities.
As a large number of consumers are expected to flood the city’s marketplaces, the government urges the public not to come to Koronadal for unnecessary purchases, travels and transactions. Since admission will still be on a ‘first come first served’ basis based on a 50% capacity limit of the floor area of a certain establishment, this means that the store management will strictly enforce the policy to avoid fines.
The city’s preventive approach will still require the public to strictly observe physical distancing, wearing of face mask and disinfection protocols.
Meanwhile, people under the age of 21, over the age of 60, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities or other health risks, and pregnant women are also restricted, except for work-related reasons and purchase of essential goods. Further, continued sheltering in place for the most vulnerable will continue to play a critical role, as well as the individual safety precautions, such as frequent hand washing and body temperature check.
If the city government fails to protect the city’s economy, COVID-19 will not only damage health but also the promising future of the city. Thus, the Mayor believes on employing a degree of resilience to bounce back from the detrimental effect of the covid-19 pandemic as early as now.