Google map of Siargao Island.
BUTUAN CITY – The municipality of Dapa in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, has been placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) for five days starting Monday.
In an executive order issued over the weekend, Surigao del Norte Vice Gov. Eddie D. Gokiangkee Jr. said the MECQ was necessary following the rise in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in Dapa and other towns in the wold-famous surfing island.
Late last week, local officials reported 44 active cases in the entire island, 16 of which were recorded in Dapa.
“While contact tracing is saturated on simultaneous cases to work on, the current count is not truly reflective of the situation due to the limited testing capacity,” Gokiangkee said.
He said the continuous movement of people has contributed to the spread of the virus in the municipality.
Under the MECQ, all trips of passenger vessels coming in and out of Dapa shall be suspended during the period.
Likewise, all persons -- residing or visiting the town -- are ordered to stay at home and will not be allowed to go outside during the period, except for essential movements.
The order also limited the movement of all persons in Dapa to "work in offices, establishments, and industries, accessing essential goods, and very important transactions."
“Movements for leisure purposes shall not be allowed during the period,” the order said, adding that mass gatherings in Dapa are also suspended, while restaurants and fast-foods should only be limited to take-out services.
It also ordered residents "buying necessary goods" or engaged in "important transactions" to present health e-pass and quarantine pass in establishments and offices.
The municipality of Dapa is considered the main gateway to Siargao, especially to the island’s tourist destinations that include the surfing sites in General Luna town. (PNA)
