STEPPED UP FIGHT. Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando leads the emergency meeting of the Local Inter-Agency Task Force with 21 municipal and three city mayors in the province at the Hiyas ng Bulacan, City of Malolos on Wednesday (March 18, 2020). Discussed were heightened measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the province, where six confirmed cases and one death have been reported. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Public Affairs Office)
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan —The provincial government here is stepping up efforts in the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in the light of the six confirmed cases of the new coronavirus diseases (Covid-19) in the province.
Governor Daniel Fernando issued an executive order for the imposition of stringent social distancing measures to prevent further contagion.
Based on the report of the Bulacan Provincial Health Office, one has died out of the six Covid-19 cases. There are, meanwhile, 87 patients under investigation (PUIs).
Of the six confirmed cases of Covid-19, two are from the City of San Jose del Monte, one in the City of Malolos, one in Guiguinto, one in Baliwag and one in San Ildefonso, who died in a hospital in Manila.
One of those confirmed infected with the dreaded virus is Baliwag town mayor Mayor Ferdie Estrella, who is currently in stable condition at a hospital also in Manila.
On the other hand, the 87 PUIs are quarantined in their homes as the provincial government continues to carry out contact tracing for the six confirmed Covid-19 cases.
Fernando reminded the Bulakenyos to practice proper hygiene and to heed the government's instructions to stay home
Meanwhile, seven disobedient and unruly citizens at the community quarantine control points were arrested by the authorities Wednesday.
Col. Lawrence Cajipe, acting Bulacan provincial director, identified the seven individuals as Ruby Ann Azarcon, 21; Jaime Quirit, 67; John Kristoffer Aboabo, 24; Geo Jun Fedilo, 27; Joel Tejares, 36; and a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old child in conflict with the law (CICL) who were arrested at the community quarantine control points in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bocaue, Pulilan, and City of Malolos.
"The arrested persons were unruly and uttered offensive words towards the authorities that resulted in their arrest," Cajipe said.
Appropriate criminal complaints against the arrested suspects are now being prepared for filing in court.
“We advised the Bulakenyos to follow and strictly carry out the foregoing guidelines on 'Enhanced Community Quarantine'. Appropriate action will be taken to those who will not abide. Everybody’s cooperation with our authorities will be of great contribution to contain the Covid-19," Cajipe said. (PNA)
