Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, extended the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) status of Albay Province, from June 16, up to June, 30.
On this same day, Naga City in Camarines Sur imposed Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in the City, causing worries in the business community about a city economy slowdown.
Naga City is about 110 kilometers north of Legazpi City.
In the past week, Government hospitals in Legazpi and Naga reported that they are under full capacity, urging towns and cities to expand their quarantine facilities to accommodate mild and moderate Covid cases.
The hospitals said they will not accept new patients, unless they are in emergency situation.
Albay, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon Provinces have been registering rising number of Covid 19 cases daily.
Governor Bichara’s order is an extension of an earlier order issued on Monday, June 7, mandating all towns and cities of Albay Province under GCQ, from June 1 until June 15.
Only two towns in Albay, Jovellar and Rapu-Rapu, are exempted from the latest order.
Last March 31, 2021, Governor Bichara placed Legazpi City and Daraga under GCQ owing to covid-19 spike.
But, the Covid-19 spike has been rising, alarming officials and the health sector.
After consulting with health officials, Bicol IATF-, and concerned stakeholders, the Governor amended his previous order and expanded the coverage to all Albay towns and cities, except Jovellar and Rapu-Rapu.
Bichara warned LGU executives to implement strictly the mandated health protocols and guidelines, or face administrative and appropriate cases.