Operations of beaches, resorts, and waterparks in Iloilo City are suspended for a week starting on Monday, March 29.

The suspension, which will last until April 4, is one of the additional measures contained in the latest executive order (EO) issued by Mayor Jerry Treñas, which aims to “address the current surge in COVID-19 cases in the city.”

“It is necessary to establish additional protocols considering the traditional activities that take place during the [Holy Week] which has the potential of increasing viral transmission,” a part of EO No. 029 read.

The EO particularly adopted health protocols prescribed under IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) Resolution No. 105 during the observance of this year’s Holy Week.

These protocols, among others, include the following: a maximum indoor seating capacity of 50 percent shall be observed; no gatherings and conduct of religious activities outside the church; religious congregation and denomination are to strictly implement health protocols provided in relevant issuances; individual confessions are discouraged; and touching and kissing of devotional and other sacred objects, home visitations by the “apostles” as well as devotional processions shall not allowed.

Instead, worshippers are encouraged to perform their ritual ablutions at home.

Meanwhile, all private establishments in the city are “highly encouraged to adopt alternative work arrangements.”

“Older workers or those that are immunocompromised or with comorbidities must be advised to work from home as much as possible. Businesses or particular departments therein must exhaust all means to maintain as little manpower in the workplace as practicable. At all times, the number of workers in one area should be maintained so as to strictly observe physical distancing,” the EO stated.

Establishments housing their staff in a common area must, among others, avoid overcrowding them in the same area, discourage food sharing, and prohibit sharing of utensils.

Non-essential gatherings, which include but are not limited to parties, celebrations, or other social events, are permitted but the maximum number of participants allowed to take part is “either 30 percent of the venue capacity or 50 individuals, whichever is lower.”

Also, operations of game arcades in the city are suspended until April 4.IMT