Catbalogan, Camiguin declare Yuletide ‘truce’
The city government of Samar capital Catbalogan said no lockdown will be imposed on the days leading to Christmas, contrary to rumors.
Mayor Dexter Uy said there was never a discussion among city officials about imposing a lockdown or implementing enhanced community quarantine because it will hurt the economy and put people out of work. However, Uy said the city government can always granular lockdowns if coronavirus cases shoot up again to uncontrollable levels.
In September, the city government locked down several villages when active cases exceeded 300.
As of 30 November, Catbalogan has 31 active cases while between 30 November to 5 December, 17 cases were added.
Uy said imposing a lockdown cannot be decided by the city Inter-Agency Task Force alone. It must also be approved by its provincial and regional counterparts through an endorsement from the Department of Health.
The mayor also appealed for support from city residents to continue practicing minimum health standards, like wearing masks and face shields and practicing social distancing.
In popular tourist destination Camiguin, curfew hours (midnight to 5 a.m.) are lifted on 24 and 25 December to allow residents to celebrate with more freedom.
Governor JJ Romualdo cautioned residents though to stick to COVID-19 protocols.
The provincial government also gave the go-signal for those aged 15 to 65 to go out from their homes.
Returning residents from 15 December to 7 January will not be required to quarantine for 14 days provided they present negative swab test results taken at least 24 hours before arrival.
Camiguin remained off- limits to tourists despite the declaration of the Department of Tourism that it is now open for leisure travel.
Only Camiguin residents are allowed to enter the province, which has no active cases as of 4 December, although those with histories of travel are under monitoring.