Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has issued directives on Thursday for the temporary closure of establishments frequented by many people that are usually flocked by people. This is following the call to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The first issuance was Executive Order No. 15, directing the closure of internet shops gaming stations, billiard halls, videoke bars, basketball courts, bowling alleys, movie houses, bingo outlets, e-gaming establishments, lotto outlets, kidsā€™ playrooms, video arcades, spas, massage parlors, beauty salons/parlors, and carnivals or peryahan.

The second issuance was EO No. 16 which requires all malls and mixed-use establishments to close all shops, except their supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, mall in-house department stores, medical laboratories, doctors and dental clinics.

The two EOs already took effect on March 19, 2020, until after the state of a public health emergency is lifted.

Mayor Sara emphasized the need to close said establishments as the recent inspection reported that people still flock the areas even if asked to stay at home.

ā€œKami sa sugod wala ni nato gisirado but nakita man gud nato na bisan pag nag ingon na ta sa mga tao na stay at homeā€¦ nakita gihapon nato during inspection na naa gihapoā€™y mga tao sa mga ing-ani na mga areasā€”non-essential, entertainment, amusement areas (We did not close these establishments at first but then we have observed during inspections that people still frequent these areas even if weā€™ve advised people to stay at home),ā€ Mayor Sara stressed.

The mayor, who regularly goes on-air over Radio DCDR to answer inquiries from the public, assured that individual stalls, restaurants, and other buildings not specified in the Executive Order are not mandated to close.

Establishments like restaurants, she added, are still open since they can offer food delivery or a ā€˜dine-outā€™ as alternatives to their customers. CIO