COVID-19 watch: Bohol implements curfew

This is how Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City, Bohol looks like as a curfew is being implemented in the entire province in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19. (Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas)

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – The provincial government here has implemented a curfew starting tonight, March 18, until further notice to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

In his executive order, Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap said everyone in the province, except for some individuals, has to be at home from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

“No person shall be allowed in the streets, commercial establishments, recreation centers, malls, or any other areas outside the immediate vicinity of their residence,” Yap’s executive order read.

Among those exempted from the curfew are pharmacy workers; telecommunication employees; those working in electricity and water utilities doing maintenance or emergency repair work; and medical personnel such as but not limited to medical doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and other similar personnel who are on duty at the time of the curfew.

The Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City, Boho. (Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas)

Also allowed outside their homes are those transporting medical supplies and laboratory specimens related to the COVID-19.

Bohol has been placed under “community quarantine” from March 16 to 20, 2020.

Yap said any individual or business owner who does not follow the curfew is subjected to appropriate action, both criminal and administrative, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations