CENTRAL COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, CEBU CITY (26 JANUARY 2020) – Mayor Edgardo Labella announced today that the local government will start issuing new quarantine passes among the city’s 80 barangays.
Labella explained during a press conference here that the quarantine pass will only allow one person per household to leave their residence to purchase food, medicines and other essential items.
This move, he said, aims to restrict the movement of residents within their communities and contain the further spread of COVID-19.
“The cancellation of quarantine pass two nights ago was due to non-control of movements of the people in the community. Today, we are here to announce the new measures, so as to have uniform implementation of guidelines under the ECQ,” Visayas Deputy Chief Implementer Mel Feliciano said.
The guidelines for the new quarantine pass were a product of extensive consultations between Visayas COVID-19 response overseer Sec. Roy Cimatu, Gen. Mel Feliciano, and the 80 barangay captains of the city, Labella said.
“Since yesterday, we invited all barangay captains with the presence of Sec. Cimatu and Gen. Feliciano, not only to ask inputs from officials but of course, Sec. Cimatu took the opportunity, together with Gen Feliciano, to apprise and remind our public officials that they are at the forefront of our battle against an invisible enemy, that they have a duty to perform, that they are accountable to their constituents, and that they have a job to do,” he stressed.
According to Labella, the quarantine passes can only be used by residents on designated days depending on their QR code.
Those with odd-numbered QR codes can use them every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while those with even numbers can use them every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 6AM until 8PM.
Labella said minimum health standards should strictly be observed by quarantine pass holders, such as wearing of face masks at all times and the observance of social distancing.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Barangay Officials and other force multipliers have been given authority to enforce the quarantine pass guidelines.