COVID-19 WATCH. Police front-liners monitor individuals and motorists entering Catbalogan City. The city government on Tuesday (Oct. 6, 2020) placed four villages under enhanced community quarantine to prevent further spread of coronavirus disease 2019. (Photo courtesy of Catbalogan City police station)
TACLOBAN CITY – Four villages in Catbalogan City in Samar were placed under enhanced community quarantine on Tuesday to prevent further spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
The strict movement restrictions in Maulong, Muñoz, Poblacion 7, and Poblacion 13 will be enforced until revoked or extended by the city government, Mayor Dexter Uy said in a statement.
"These areas within the critical zone have the highest number of active coronavirus cases in the city. The stricter quarantine measures will limit movement of people and further spread of the virus," he added.
Of its 57 villages, Uy said 37 have reported at least one case, of which 18 have active cases.
As directed, strict home quarantine must be observed in all households except for availing essential goods and services.
The city government will enforce a 24/7 curfew and liquor ban in affected areas and prohibit all social and religious gatherings, including outdoor exercises.
Uy said they will also strictly 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 and appropriate markings to encourage physical distancing, and digital quarantine pass scanner.
Stores are also encouraged to adopt cashless transactions, he added.
Meanwhile, all villages outside the critical zone were placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
Under MGCQ guidelines, religious and other public gatherings are allowed provided that attendees will be limited to 50 percent of the venue's capacity.
Curfew will also be imposed but only for minors, while drinking of liquors in open and public places is prohibited.
Outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise such as walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, range shooting, and skateboarding, among others, are also allowed provided that minimum health standards are observed.
Based on its latest monitoring report, the city has confirmed a total of 667 Covid-19 cases, including 553 recoveries and three deaths. (PNA)
