LAOAG CITY – Residents of Ilocos Sur are restricted to go outside the province except for essential and emergency travels only, said Governor Ryan Luis Singson in his latest Executive Order No. 24 issued on Tuesday afternoon.
Singson said "emergency shielding" in Ilocos Sur is aimed at curbing the fresh spike of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the province, affecting a total of 225 government workers who initially tested positive last Monday.
"The same number had to be isolated for RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction), thus services were compromised,” the governor added.
The order took effect Wednesday (March 24) up to April 6, 2021 unless it will be lifted sooner.
During this period, tourists will not be allowed to enter the province. Mass gatherings or up to a maximum of 30 percent of the venue capacity is allowed while adhering to minimum health and safety protocols such as wearing of face mask, face shield and strict social distancing.
All residents coming from Metro Manila and its nearby provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite and Rizal and all other high-risk areas shall not be allowed in Ilocos Sur except for essential travels.
As of this posting, all local government units of Ilocos Sur have been directed to implement mass testing in all its populated areas to contain the virus.
Based on Covid-19 data, the province’s 15 municipalities covering 40 barangays are under crucial zones for having Covid-19 positive cases with minimum contact of 15-20 individuals for each patient.
As of March 23, Ilocos Sur logged a total of 444 confirmed cases with 380 recoveries and four deaths. (PNA)
