[1] The first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines were Chinese tourists admitted to a hospital in Metro Manila both of whom had history of traveling to Dumaguete and Cebu.

In late April 2020, there had been a surge of confirmed cases in Cebu especially in high population density urban-poor areas, resulting in a massive lockdown for the residents.

[17][18] On June 27, a religious procession and fiesta was held in Sitio Alumnos, Barangay Basak San Nicholas despite the enhanced community quarantine.

19 individuals were charged for breaking quarantine and social distancing protocols while the barangay captain was summoned by the DILG to explain how this event managed to push through.

[39] On March 13, the mayors of Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu suspended classes in all levels for both private and public schools as a preventive measure against the spread of the virus.

Garcia also announced that Mactan–Cebu International Airport and the Port of Cebu would suspend all arrivals and departures of domestic passenger travel, effective March 17.

[47] On April 16, two armored personnel carriers from the Philippine Army were deployed to guard the entrances and exits of Sitio Zapatera which is home to 10,000 residents, mostly informal settlers, after the entire barangay was assumed to be infected.

One June 22, President Duterte ordered Roy Cimatu, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to lead and oversee the COVID-19 response.

[56] On March 31, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo signed an executive order placing the entire province under enhanced community quarantine from April 3 to 18.

Under the said order, residents must stay at home, limit the business hours for selected establishments, and suspending the mass public transit, and restrict land and sea travel among others.

[59] During the Christmas season, Misa de Gallo masses were intended for limited capacity for the churchgoers while social distancing would be implemented.

[61] On December 24, event organizers declared Misa de Gallo as a "success" despite the strict social distancing protocols and overcrowding.

On the start of the novena, crowds of churchgoers flocked to Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino in a similar fashion to the Misa de Gallo masses held during the Christmas season.

IATF officials and Cebu's medical community criticized the event of recklessness due to the lack of social distancing protocols being observed.

[66] The Spanish Navy training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano was not open to visitors when it docked in Cebu City from March 20–22, 2021 due to the pandemic.

[67] Instead, an invite-only ceremony was held at Pier 8 attended by military officers, officials, delegates from the Spanish consulate, and cultural performers.