Birthday, wedding guests need clearance in San Remigio

CEBU, Philippines —  Residents of San Remigio town, northern Cebu are now required to get a clearance from the barangay if they want to invite guests or visitors to family celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, among others.

This is one of the protocols implemented in the town to help curb COVID-19 cases. San Remigio is under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions.

“A barangay clearance/permit shall be required to birthdays, wedding, baptismal and such other related family events and activities,” read Executive Order No. 21 issued by Mayor Mariano Martinez issued on August 21, 2021.

Authorized personnel like the police and representatives of Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force Against COVID-19 and barangay task force on monitoring and compliance  “shall cause the actual inspection and monitoring of all approved activities” in the town.

Curfew in San Remigio runs from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Workers from the essential establishments like pharmacies and drugstores are allowed to go out provided that they can show proof of their employment.

Those aged 18 years old and those over 60 years old are advised to strictly follow the stay at home policy during the period.

Other establishments like the restaurants and convenience stores are ordered to follow the curfew hours.

“All apprehended violators of the above provisions/ guidelines shall be detained in the respective barangay cluster holding area for twelve (12) hours during which they will undergo a lecture/ session regarding existing guidelines and protocols,” the EO further read.

Because the COVID-19 cases in San Remigio are increasing again, the barangays are ordered to have isolation facilities for the patients. The LGU will use additional five quarantine facilities if the need arises.

The town prefers the classrooms as isolation facilities since these are well-ventilated, although the use of school facilities must have approval first from the Department of Education.

Based on the August 22 data, San Remigio has 92 active cases, 213 recoveries and nine recorded deaths. — JMD (FREEMAN)