Cebu City suspends operation of enclosed recreational establishments

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella on Wednesday ordered a temporary stop to the operations of enclosed recreational establishments in Cebu amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Under Executive Order No. 56, all enclosed recreational centers, fitness centers, gyms, movie theaters, casinos, bars, and clubs will remain closed until the general community quarantine, which the city government issued on Sunday, is lifted.

"To intensify the precautionary and safety measures against COVID-19, there is a dire need to temporarily close all establishments that are enclosed and have limited space which encourage the gathering and coming together of people," the order read.

Owners of establishments that fail to follow the directive may face legal sanctions and their business permits may be revoked under the order.

This will be implemented by the Philippine National Police in cooperation with the Business Permit Licensing Office and the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beutification, and Enhancement Team.

Barangays were also mandated to implement the order in their jurisdictions.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases climbed to 202 on Wednesday with 17 recorded fatalities.— Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News