Gov. Arthur Yap suspends events involving national and local government officials and employees that may lead to gatherings or requiring to ask people to congregate in groups.
In a memorandum dated Dec. 1, 2020, the governor said that in just a matter of seven (7) days the province in Bohol recorded 500% increase in positive Coronavirus disease (Covid) from 28 cases in Nov. 25, 2020 to 154 cases as of Dec. 1, 2020.
Moreover, the governor said, “Noting further the general observation of the (Bohol Inter Agency Task Force) BIATF Medical and Health Cluster that people have relaxed in the observance of the minimum health standards as observed in major thoroughfares and town centers where people are congregating without face masks are prevalent. Where the partial re-opening of restaurants, cockpits and the re-opening of tourism is giving people the false sense of security that everything has returned to normal, there is a need to implement ways to prevent the spread of the virus.”
“Hence, pursuant to the authority of the undersigned under Section 465 (b)(1)(xvi) and (b)(2)(1), of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160). and in line with Proclamation Nos. 922 and 929 on the President’s call to all government agencies and local government units to render full assistance and cooperation and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate response and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of COVID-19, you are hereby directed to temporarily suspend all national and local programs. projects and activities (PPAs) that will require people to congregate in groups,” the governor mentioned in his latest memorandum.
The governor added: “However, the foregoing directive shall not apply when such PPAs involve frontline medical, emergency and security services. In such cases, PPAs may be pursued provided that the minimum health standards should strictly be observed.”
The governor continued in his memorandum, “All Local chief executives (LCEs) are directed to ensure that this Memorandum shall be cascaded in the barangay level under their respective areas of jurisdiction. For your guidance and strict compliance.”