CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Oscar Moreno ordered the temporary closure of malls, watering holes, entertainment centers, and bars, and other public places here starting Tuesday, March 17, as part of measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. On the same day of the indefinite closure, the local government will also impose a city-wide curfew. Moreno said he declined imposing a lockdown because it would harm Cagayan de Oro's economy since the city is the regional hub of Northern Mindanao. Exempted from the closure order are:groceries and 24/7 convenience;supermarkets;public markets;public markets; gasoline stations;banks;pharmacies;bakeshops;pet shops;hardware stores;health Clinics, diagnostic centers and laboratories;and restaurants. "Because Cagayan de Oro is a convergence city, people from other provinces have different reasons why they need to come here," Moreno said.

Source: The Local March 16, 2020 10:30 UTC