Coronavirus: Cebu archbishop asks for more discipline, cooperation

Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu is urging people to strictly follow government rules as the city has turned into a coronavirus “hotspot” and remained as the country’s lone area with the strictest form of lockdown.

Archbishop Jose Palma said that regulations put in place by authorities to contain the spread of the coronavirus can only be effective if residents strictly observe them.

He appealed to Cebuanos “that we maintain our sense of courtesy and respects” to government authorities.

“I recognize the sincerity and sacrifices of these government servants as they respond with the best intentions and dedication to their duties, responsibilities and accountabilities to all of us,” Palma said.

The archbishop also called for calm and solidarity with those at the frontline in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I wish to gently remind all of us to refrain from hurting one another any further with unkindness because the virus itself has done enough harm to us,” Palma said.

“The worst of times is indeed the best of times to show to the rest of the country our sense of personal discipline and our willingness to show our deeply embedded Cebuano spirit of solidarity and tenacity,” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday announced that Cebu City will remain under the enhanced community quarantine until July 15.

Duterte is dismayed that the city is now a “hotspot” for Covid-19 because discipline in observing the Covid-19 precaution measures has loosened.

The city of Cebu has the highest positivity rate for Covid-19 infections in the country with 5,494 recorded cases and 169 deaths.

Metro Manila has also remained under general community quarantine while the rest of the country has now shifted to modified GCQ, the most relaxed quarantine phase.