FIGHTING COVID-19. The panoramic view of Catbalogan City, the capital of Samar province. The city government on Sunday (Sept. 20, 2020) extended the imposed enhanced community quarantine in three villages to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019. (Photo courtesy of Catbalogan local government)
TACLOBAN CITY – Three villages in Catbalogan City in Samar will remain under enhanced surveillance due to rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Mayor Dexter Uy on Sunday signed Executive Order No. 09-001 extending the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed in the villages of Mercedes, Canlapwas, and Maulong until Oct. 5.
These communities, along with 19 other villages, were placed under ECQ from Sept. 5 to 20.
"These are the areas with still high numbers of active Covid-19 cases in double digits, while the rest now with less than 10 active cases. The three villages will remain as critical zones based on the zoning containment strategy of the city," Uy said.
As directed, strict home quarantine must be observed in all households, except for availing essential goods and services.
The city government will enforce the 24/7 curfew and liquor ban in these areas and prohibits all social and religious gatherings, including outdoor exercise.
Uy said they will also monitor establishments to ensure full compliance with health protocols, such as availability of handwashing area and footbath at entrances, use of thermal scanners, installation of physical barriers, appropriate markings to encourage safe physical distancing, and digital quarantine pass scanner.
"Stores are also encouraged to adopt cashless transactions," he added.
Since the outbreak, Uy said 35 out of the city's 57 villages have already recorded at least one coronavirus case.
The Department of Health has declared community transmission in the city, now with 581 total cases, including 442 recoveries and three deaths.
"Specific residential houses of confirmed Covid-19 patients, as well as the houses of direct contacts, will also be considered as critical zones and thus must follow the ECQ guidelines," Uy said.
Meanwhile, all villages outside the critical zone were placed under general community quarantine. (PNA)
