By Emme Rose Santiagudo and Felipe V. Celino
Local government units (LGUs) in Guimaras and Panay Island are preparing for another community-wide quarantine to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In a closed-door meeting Monday, the Regional Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) in Western Visayas agreed to come up with a unified executive order for the Panay-Guimaras wide community quarantine.
Earlier, the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Guimaras including Iloilo City, Bacolod City and Roxas City ordered border restrictions in their respective areas amid concerns of the spread of the COVID-19.
The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) 6 said the region remains COVID-19 free as of March 16, 2020.
But the health department is closely monitoring 65 patients under investigation (PUI) for possible Covid-19.
PUIs are persons with symptoms and have travel histories to infected areas.
“Of the number, 43 have tested negative while 18 were still waiting for the result of the laboratory test. 16 PUIs were recorded in Iloilo Province; 15 in Aklan, nine each in Iloilo City and Capiz; six in Bacolod City; five in Negros Occidental; three in Antique; and two in Guimaras,” the DOH-6 said in a statement.
DOH-6 added that 1,999 are identified as persons under monitoring (PUM) in the region as of March 15.
PUMs are persons with no signs and symptoms but have travel histories to infected areas.
Dr. Marlyn Convocar, DOH-6 regional director, said in a statement that the increase was attributed to the new decision tool of the national DOH where all persons from Manila are considered PUMs.
“As of March 11, Manila is considered as an area with local transmission and so a person who comes from Manila will be managed as PUM if with no signs and symptoms, and PUI if with signs/ symptoms,” she said.
The highest number of PUMs recorded were from Aklan with 597; Iloilo province with 436; Negros Occidental with 349; Antique with 244; Iloilo City with 150; Guimaras with 103; Capiz with 93; and Bacolod City with 27.
Meanwhile, the health department strongly encouraged PUMs in the region to strictly observe proper quarantine procedures to avoid the possible spread of the virus such as PUMs should stay home for 14 days; wear mask if in company of other people; properly dispose used mask; and avoid handshake, kissing or hugging someone.
PUMs are also urged to use their own set of utensils; avoid sharing your towels, toothbrush, glass, spoon and fork, etc.; avoid contact with elderly, children or those with underlying medical condition; and routinely clean frequently-touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, cellphone, tables, handles and toilet.
QUARANTINE
In Roxas City, Capiz, five village chiefs or punong barangays here underwent self quarantine following their trip to Baguio City.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Roxas City Officer Ginno Salamanca and City Health Officer Dr. Lory Cahilog ordered the five village chiefs to go on quarantine as a precautionary measure against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The officials are Holce Bialen of Brgy. 8; Joseph Tinoy of Brgy. 6; Ligaya Condes of Jumaguicjic; Herminia Dillo of Tanque; and Rey Afloro of Balijuagan.
Mayor Ronnie Dadivas issued an executive order establishing border security and quarantine protocols as a preventive measure against COVID-19.
Under Executive Order No. 13 series of 2020, all passenger vessels are banned from seaports and wharfs in Roxas City.
The ports covered by the executive order are in Culasi, Banica, Libas, and wharfs located in Barangays Barra, Cogon, Punta Cogon, Olotayan, Baybay, Talon, Culajao and Tanza, all in Roxas City.
Unloading of cargoes will be allowed if the drivers and helpers follow quarantine protocols.
Meanwhile, vehicles at the entrance and exit points of the city will be strictly implemented. Any person who wants to enter the city will undergo security and quarantine protocols.
HOLY WEEK
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Jaro announced Monday the cancellation of Holy Week Activities (Holy Thursday, Holy Friday, Black Saturday, and Eastern Sunday) amid the COVID-19 crisis.
The cancellation covers Procession, Visita Iglesia, and other activities during Holy Week.
All weekend, Sunday masses, and town fiesta masses are also postponed.
Couples who want to tie the knot were also encouraged to reschedule their church weddings.
The church said the public can tune in to social media, tv, and radio for the broadcast of regular masses. The church also urged the faithful to pray even in their own homes in response to the pandemic.
