The island town of Zumarraga, Samar province has passed ordinances that will protect its residents from the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The town council recently approved two ordinances to fight the spread of the virus — Municipal Ordinance No. 47-2020 or the ‘No Mask, No Entry’ policy and Municipal Ordinance No. 46-2020, which outlaws discrimination against COVID-19 patients and frontliners.
“Prohibited acts include harassment, humiliation, or causing stigma to people who are infected, under investigation, or under monitoring for COVID-19, and health workers.”
Mayor Myrna Tan said prohibited acts under the anti-COVID-19 discrimination include harassment, humiliation, or causing stigma to people who are infected, under investigation, or under monitoring for COVID-19, and health workers.
“Posting on social media or announcing or spreading that a person is COVID-19 positive whether it is confirmed or not is also punishable,” Tan said.
Violators will be fined with P2,500 or face imprisonment of not more than six months or depending on the discretion of the court. If the violator is a public official, aside from the maximum penalty, they will also face administrative cases.
Meanwhile, the ‘No Mask, No Entry’ ordinance also directs residents to follow social distancing when they are in public places, public transport, or in establishments.
A written warning will be sent to individuals and establishments for the first offense, community service for eight hours for the second offense, and a fine of P1,000 for the establishment, and a fine of P2,500 for the individual.
For the third offense of business establishments, owners will be fined with P2,500 and their business permit will be suspended.
“We are doing all we can to serve and protect the people of Zumarraga amidst this crisis.”
Tan said she wants to assure the more than 16,000 residents living in 25 villages of the municipality that they are doing all that they can to serve and protect the people of Zumarraga amidst this crisis.
“We are calling the attention of everyone to please practice proper cough and sneezing etiquette, always do physical distancing and wear a facemask when going outdoors, and stay at home and follow the quarantine protocols for your safety,” she said.
Zumarraga is a 5th-class island town in Samar province with a population of 16,295.