Naga issues Covid-19 Christmas restrictions

By Mar S. Arguelles

The Naga City Health Emergency Response Task Force (HERTF) on Friday, Dec. 18 has issued new and additional health restrictions as mitigating measures to prevent the projected spike of Covid-19 cases during the Christmas season.

Mayor Nelson Legacion, on the recommendation of the HERTF, has issued a directive to strictly implement Covid-19 health guidelines to ensure that there would be no significant rise of virus cases beginning Dec. 19 to Jan. 3 next year.

Among the new measure are: the HERTF would temporarily stop the issuance of inbound and outbound travel health certificate from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3 next year.

The HERTF has advised those planning to travel to Naga City during this period that they must apply for a letter acceptance on or before Dec. 21, this year.

The operation of the rapid testing facility shall operate from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM only during the specified period.

Persons below 15 years old would not be allowed entry in all commercial establishments and places of worship, except for medical and or emergency purposes. Establishments are required to ask for an identification card to prove a person’s age.

In churches, only fifty percent of their seating capacity would be filled. Parishioners will not be allowed inside once the 50 percent sitting capacity is met.

The public is further advised that face mask and face shields must be worn together in all places outside the residence, except in dining areas.

The use of eSalvar QR code is strongly advised to gain entry to indoor establishments.