Due to the rapid increase in COVID cases, the Zamboanga TFCovid-19 decided to extend the temporary closure of all beaches, beach resorts, inland water resorts, establishments with pools and other similar establishments to April 30, 2021.

An executive order amending EO 647-2021 will be issued anytime.Mayor Beng Climaco issued EO 647 last April 1 mandating the temporary closure of beaches and inland resorts and similar establishments from April 2 to 11, 2021 in response to the sudden rise in COVID-19 cases in the city.

In an emergency meeting last Saturday, the Climaco-led TFCovid-19 approved to extend the temporary closure due to the continuous spike of coronavirus cases.

As of April 9, 2021, active COVID-19 cases in the city leapt to 321 from the previous 283, with the additional additional 38 new cases recorded.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases for Zamboanga City now total 4,611 with 4,093 recoveries and 197 deaths. Recovery rate reduced to 88.87% from the previous 94%. Mayor Climaco has tasked the security sector during the meeting to double efforts to monitor and check compliance of the order by owners of beach resorts, inland resorts and similar establishments.

Under the EO, those found to be operating during the effectivity of the order shall be penalized with a minimum fine of P5,000 in accordance with section 5 (1) of Ordinance 532 as amended, their business permits revoked and their establishments closed down by the Zamboanga City Compliance Team with the recommendation of the local TFCovid.

On the other hand, all persons or participants caught inside the beach resort or other similar establishments shall be penalized with a fine of P1,500 in accordance with section 5 (1) of Ordinance 532 as amended. (Sheila Covarrubias) (photo credits:ZCPO)