Cebu may revert to GCQ

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu City may revert to general community quarantine or GCQ next month if the number of coronavirus disease 2019 cases will continue to rise, according to Mayor Edgar Labella.

“It would depend on the circumstances. There is no problem with me because we really have to observe strict compliance with quarantine protocols,” Labella said.

He said he would seek the advice of the city health department and Department of Health (DOH) on the shift to a stricter quarantine.

Cebu City has been under modified GCQ since September last year.

On Friday, the DOH-Central Visayas office reported 46 COVID-19 cases in the city, bringing the total active to 277. The number of cases more than doubled in one week.

Cebu City  recorded 118 cases on Dec. 31.

Amid concerns that physical distancing was not observed in novena masses for the celebration of the Fiesta Señor, which started on Friday, Labella directed the police and multiplier forces to “stay put” until the last mass.

He appealed to the devotees to adhere to health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Labella said the Cebu City quarantine center, NOAH Complex, barangay isolation centers and hospitals are ready to address an increase in the number of cases.

“We are prepared. The city is prepared in case there is a spike,” he said.