Gov: Cebuanos can now go swimming

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia said Cebuanos may now swim in public waters, but only for health purposes and between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily.

"Kung gusto mo maligo ug dagat, adto ra mo kaligo sa inyong kaugalingong dagat sa inyong lungsod. Dili nga mag-outing mo. Ayaw sa nang mga beach party (If you want to go swimming, go, but do it in your own beach. Do not go outside your area for an outing. No beach parties for the moment)," said Garcia on Sugbo News on Wednesday. 

She added that strict protocols on social distancing and limitations on the number of people at the beaches will still be in place. These protocols will be implemented by local government units.

Garcia also encouraged the people to go to the beaches since she believes in the healing properties of salt water. 

“Wala man ko mag-ingon nga dili ko motuo anang dagat nga makaayo. Ang atong gilikayan ana ang tapuk-tapok man or kung asa tong ang mga tawo magpunsisok (I did not say I never believed in the healing properties of the sea. We just wanted to prevent large crowds),” she said. 

Garcia also suggested the use of “tuob” or vaporizing, an old Cebuano healing tradition for cough and colds that uses the vapor from hot water added with herbs or vapor rubs. 

She encouraged the public to boost their immune system by doing physical exercise and taking probiotic drinks and vitamins.

The whole province except for the cities of Talisay and Mandaue has transitioned from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ) starting May 20. 

Talisay and Mandaue, which have rising cases of Covid-19, have remained under ECQ. Talisay, with 16 cases as of May 20, is under a modified ECQ (MECQ). 

Cebu City has the highest number of Covid-19 cases in Cebu province with close to 2,000 patients.