BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – This economic and political center of half a million people goes under an Enhanced Community Quarantine at the same time the province goes on the same state against the COVID19, a “martial law by necessity,” its mayor said.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia, in a late afternoon news conference at the Government Center here, announced that he had signed Executive Order No. 26 that places the city under an ECQ from 30 March to 14 April 2020, the same shutdown length as that of the province.
It may be extended, however, “depending on the circumstance,” he said.
ECQ KEY FEATURES
Key features of the EQC are the restriction of human movement within city borders and the suspension of mass public transport.
The city had already been under a general community quarantine (GCQ) for a week before the ECQ upgrade.
A 24-hour curfew will be observed by the general public, except for identified holders of Home Quarantine Pass who will be allowed to leave for provisions from 4 am to 10 pm.
Village chiefs will issue Home Quarantine Passes that will be issued to only one person per household, 18 years and above.
The HQP holder shall be allowed to buy food and other necessities but the holder must bring it, and a valid ID, at all times if outside his or her residence.
Deputies of Leonardia surrounded him during the announcement and behind him were seated the city police chief, an Army deputy brigade commander and the provincial Coast Guard commander.
