ILOILO City – The city government is reviving household quarantine passes to regulate the movement of people. Its goal is to stem the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
According to Mayor Jerry Treñas, only one quarantine pass will be issued per family and this should be used for essential travel only.
This scheme was first introduced last year at the height of the pandemic.
“Travelers without quarantine passes will be turned away,” said Treñas.
This city is under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until mid-June.
MORE RESTRICTIONS, APPEALS
As COVID-19 cases continue to go up overwhelming city health facilities, Treñas said the city government would deploy additional medical staff, especially nurses, to hospitals.
The city government will hire at least 25 nurses, 44 nursing aides and 22 utility workers.
“The situation is really critical… We need to save lives,” said Treñas.
NO FACE-TO-FACE RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS
Treñas also requested Roman Catholic churches to stop face-to-face religious gatherings and revert to digital masses for the next two weeks.
He said he will also make a similar request to other religions.
“While we request the different religions to temporarily stop mass gatherings, we cannot overemphasize the need for prayers. We will do everything humanely possible, but the Lord will guide us to do the correct decisions. Please continue to pray to the Almighty especially during these times,” said Treñas.
Also as part of the measures, Treñas issued Office Order OCA-2021-24 for the conduct of daily disinfection of the city hall building starting June 3 at 5 p.m. “to ensure the safety of both our employees and visitors”.
The city mayor also requested the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the temporary suspension of travel from Iloilo City to Negros Occidental. There’s no response yet./PN
