GAPAN CITY — Gapan City is now ready to transition to the “New Normal” as restrictions are furthered eased under Modified General Community Quarantine.
Mayor Emerson Pascual lauded his constituents for being disciplined during the trying times of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“For us to be more prepared, not just me or the task force, but the entire community should further coordinate with us,” he said during Thursday’s episode of Network Briefing News on Radyo Pilipinas which was hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar.
Residents are urged to report to the city government when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms as a way of their contribution to the community.
“If someone has a fever, cough or feeling ill, immediately visit our Gapan City Rapid Testing Station so they can be tested [for COVID-19]. Secretary Martin, for me, Gapan City is ready for the new normal,” Pascual furthered.
Gapan City currently has zero active COVID-19 cases following the recovery of nine positive patients.
Pascual disclosed that they have already eased transportation restrictions within the city and ensured drivers are still following strict health and safety protocols.
“We already allowed the operation of tricycles in the city, but they have to follow our rules, like one, backriding in tricycles are strictly prohibited, and drivers should be wearing a face mask. Second, only one passenger is allowed, and he should also be wearing a face mask. There should be a plastic barrier between the driver and the passenger,” Pascual stressed adding violators will be apprehended.
The mayor also said they are finalizing the new system for jeepney operations as they will now allow 50 percent of its seating capacity.
Moreover, Pascual cited their initiatives to alleviate challenges students may face during online schooling and blending learning modalities to be utilized by Department of Education (DepEd).
“We will put fiber optics in all households who want internet access with free installation and a 5mbps speed for only PhP50 per month. They can expect it this coming Monday as we will start the fiber optics installation, which can take up to 45 days as for our estimate,” Pascual explained.
He also assured that the city government is continuously coordinating with DepEd to further help both teachers and students on its new teaching methods during the pandemic.
Also, Pascual pitched some programs as they progress to the new normal such as the preparation for the upcoming planting season, opening of a dialysis center, groundbreaking of the Gapan City Hospital, among others.