To abide by President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to extend the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in Bohol, Governor Arthur Yap issued Thursday an executive order outlining the protocols in line with the lower risk classification until July 31.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in a televised meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) aired late Wednesday night, said some areas in the country will have eased restrictions, including Cebu City which is now under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

The IATF placed Bohol, along with 14 other localities, under MGCQ.

Yap’s Executive Order No. 38 that extended the MGCQ status in the province took effect July 16 until July 31.

Under MGCQ, Yap allowed some establishments to reopen with the exemption of bars, nightclubs, KTV bars or karaoke joints, internet shops and cinemas.

Despite the more relaxed quarantine classification, the provincial government will also continue to prohibit cockfighting, gambling and betting activities.

Yap also clarified in the EO that those entering the province are enjoined to coordinate and secure the necessary clearance with the Bohol Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) before arrival or scheduled visit.

Violators of quarantine protocols under EO 33 and all other issuances shall be prosecuted under Provincial Ordinance 2020-007, a measure that seeks to avert widespread contagion of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and other infectious diseases in the province.

The general curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., travel ban of incoming passengers, partial liquor ban, prohibition against mass gatherings and mandatory use of face masks and physical distancing are still in effect under the EO.

Minors are exempted from the national IATF’s 24-hour curfew on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

But residents aged 65 and above are allowed to go out of their home on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (PNA)