THE provincial government decided it will be more cautious and will not lift its curfew hours in towns and cities even if the current Alert Level 3 was downgraded to Alert Level 2 last week.

This can be gleaned from Executive Order No.  0011-2022 issued by Governor Amado Espino III on February 16 which seeks to implement the guidelines when the national IATF-EID placed Pangasinan under the less restrictive Alert Level 2 classification from February 16 to 28.

In contrast, the independent component city of Dagupan lifted its curfew hours before its Alert Level 3 was downgraded to Alert Level 2

Section 2 of the EO states: “There shall be a province-wide curfew from 10 o’clock in the evening to 4 o’clock in the morning”. The former curfew was from 9 o’clock in the evening to 4 o’clock in the morning when COVID-19 cases surged anew following the holiday season starting during the second week of January.

The new EO still strongly advised unvaccinated individuals or individuals with incomplete vaccination to stay home, except for emergency or humanitarian reasons.

It also directed that presence in mass gathering activities should be avoided by those with co-morbidities and pregnant women, and those unvaccinated persons especially infants and children of tender age.

The EO allows Intrazonal and inter-zonal movements subject to reasonable restrictions that may be imposed by component LGUs in Pangasinan. Activities like access to obtain essential goods and services or work in permitted industries and offices, as well as individual outdoors exercises, may also be allowed.

At the same time, all tourists are encouraged to register to “Pangasinan Tara Na”  at https://Pangasinan.Tara na.ph/.

Notably, the new Alert Level 2 classification in Pangasinan, including all its neighbors in Region 1, a classification that was earlier given to Metro Manila and its surrounding areas, caused more tourists to head back to Pangasinan, especially to the fine beaches.

Also allowed by the new EO are in-person cockfighting and operation of cockpits subject to:

1. There are no objections from the LGU of the municipality/city where the in-person cockfighting may take place;
2. A maximum 50 percent venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only;
3. All on-site workers/employees of these establishments are vaccinated against COVID-19; and
4. Betting shall be cashless and use of technology-based platforms only, i.e., no physical exchange of cash anywhere near the cockpit and no oral placing of bets; and
5. Minimum public health shall be observed.

The new EO still directs establishments to operate with a maximum 50 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals, and those under 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, and 70 percent outdoor venue capacity.

Provided, however, that all employees, workers of these establishments or organizers of activities are vaccinated and that all minimum health standards shall be observed. (Leonardo Micua)

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