ILOILO – A total of 118 households in Barangay 2 Poblacion, Igbaras town were placed under two weeks of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Twenty-one residents tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The lockdown, which started on April 8, specifically covered the neighborhoods on Fortuna Street, part of Aguinaldo and Consolacion streets and from Consolacion-Sta. Rita Street up to R. Ealdama Street.
“Of the 21 cases, six were elementary public school teachers while the rest were close contacts,” Mayor Jaime “James” Esmeralda told Panay News.
“They were all asymptomatic and have been placed under strict home quarantine,” he added.
The six teachers were close contacts of the first public teacher who tested positive for the virus on March 29.
“Bawal nga makagwa sa area ang mga residente kag wala man sang makasulod nga tawo halin sa gwa,” the mayor said.
Barangay officials and tanods were manning the entry and exit points of the areas.
Due to the lockdown, Esmeralda said, the local government unit would shoulder the food of the affected households.
“Nakahatag na kami sang una nga food assistance pero may second batch pa ina kay ti indi naman makagwa sa ila balay ang mga tawo,” he added.
The mayor said the lockdown maybe shortened or extended, “depende sa mangin sitwasyon naton.”
Esmeralda is also appealing to all Igbarasnons to stay home except for those who have essential transactions.
Social gatherings like birthday parties, weddings, baptisms, fiestas and anniversary celebrations are also prohibited.
The mayor reminded his constituents to always follow the minimum health protocols such as wearing of facemask, washing of hands and social distancing.
As of this writing, Igbaras had 80 total confirmed COVID-19 cases – 44 active, 34 recovered and two dead./PN
