While the province is under Alert Level 3 status until January 31, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc reiterates that all events in the province will continue if properly coordinated and approved by local authorities.
“I don’t think that we have to stop all events. Pag outdoors, we can continue with the national guidelines. I hope most of our kakailian would agree, ‘wag naman tayong maging ‘anti-events’,” said Manotoc in a press conference on January 17.
Based on Executive Order (EO) No. 173-22 of Manotoc, only fully vaccinated individuals, including staff, are allowed to attend gatherings and events.
With this regulation, vaccination cards will be checked upon entering the venue of the gathering.
Moreover, indoor events are limited to 30% venue capacity and a maximum of 50 individuals are allowed to be on-site.
Meanwhile, outdoor events are limited to 50% venue capacity.
In all events, the EO states there must be a prior approval obtained from Governor Manotoc or the concerned mayor to be permitted to hold events in the province.
“We should not be criticizing an official or anyone hosting an event if it’s properly conducted. If 50% capacity, naka-mask, naka-distance, then I have no problem with it,” said Manotoc.
The local chief executive also emphasized the need for proper ventilation to reduce the potential airborne transmission of the virus.
He added that those attending indoor events are at risk if ventilation is not properly observed.
As of January 19, the province of Ilocos Norte has 1,513 active cases, after recording 237 new cases. (JCR/AMB/Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco)
(Source: PIA Ilocos Norte)
