Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan. | CDN Digital file photo
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines- The Lapu-Lapu City Government will study further the new guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases which allows local government units (LGUs) to no longer include the RT-PCR test as a requirement for local tourists and travelers.
Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said that he still needs to consult other stakeholders regarding this.
Earlier, the Department of Health (DOH)-7 has suggested to the tri-cities, composed of Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City, to continue to implement the RT-PCR test for travelers who will arrive at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
“But if you are a local, local lang, kana mao pod na’y akong gitun-an, pwede ra gyud nga you must wear face mask and face shield. Mao na atong gitun-an ron,” Chan said.
Chan said that for now, the city will focus on the compliance of the public on the health and safety protocols, especially the wearing of a face mask.
In line with this, Chan said that he already met with the Philippine National Police (PNP), barangay captains, and members of the Barangay Mayor’s Office (BMO), to intensify the implementation of the wearing of a face mask in public places.
“Segurado ko, kung kitang tanan mag-face mask, walay mahitabo nga transmission sa Covid. The only protection is the facemask. Ang ato lang gyud we need more personnel to do this every day,” Chan added.
The mayor said that he will be deploying more personnel on the field, especially employees having no important tasks inside the city hall.
Apprehended individuals can also choose to pay the fine of P1,000 or do community service as their penalty. /rcg