Naga mayor approves ordinance punishing health protocol violators

NAGA City, Cebu Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong has approved an ordinance punishing individuals and business owners who violate health protocol that must be observed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic such as wearing of masks and observing safe distance.

Chiong signed City Ordinance 2020-29, which sets P2,000 or jail time as maximum penalty for individual violators.

Authorities have mandated the wearing of mask and observance of social distancing as part of their efforts in slowing the spread of Covid-19 cases in the city.

According to City Ordinance 2020-29, a first-time offender must pay a fine of P500. The second-time offender must pay P1,000 in fine and serve one month in jail. The third-time offender must pay P2,000 in fine and serve a three-month jail time.

The oridinance mandates all business establishments and stores to follow health protocol by placing hand sanitizers or alcohol at entrances, and the floors must be marked so the customers will observe a safe distance with their fellow customers.

A business establishment that violates the ordinance for the first time faces suspension for seven days. The second-time and thirdtime violators face 14 days of suspension and revokation of business permit, respectively.

The sidewalks in Naga City have been drawn with circles, indicating where commuters must stand to observe safe distance while waiting for a ride.

As of July 2, Naga City had 50 Covid-19 cases with 21 active cases, 20 recoveries and nine deaths. The city, one of the six component cities of Cebu Province, is under modified general community quarantine until July 15. /