ILOILO City – Vulnerable segments of this southern city’s population have been told not to go out of their houses to avoid catching the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order (EO) No. 197 restricting the movement of senior citizens (above 60 years old), youngsters (below 21 years old), pregnant women, and persons who are immuno-compromised and with disabilities.
The Iloilo City COVID team affirmed the recommendations of the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force limiting the movement of vulnerable sectors.
Under EO 197, vulnerable sectors are required to remain in their residences at all times unless it is absolutely necessary for them to go out such as for obtaining essential goods and services or for work in permitted industries and offices; other essentials; to seek medical or clinical care; or to go the hospital; or to seek medical consultation.
Persons who live with the vulnerable sectors, on the other hand, shall be allowed outside of their residence when buying essential items, seeking medical or clinical care, going to the hospitals, seeking medical consultation and to work for the offices, industries, and establishments; except if they are either confined in a COVID-19 isolation facility.
Moreover, the vulnerable sectors including persons who reside with them may not enter malls and shopping centers except when indispensable under the circumstances for obtaining goods and services or for work.
Meanwhile, under the EO, all esplanades and public plazas in city will only be open to the public from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The order also reiterated the current curfew for minors, which is from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is often more severe in people 60 years old and above or with health conditions like lung or heart disease, diabetes or conditions that affect their immune system.
While COVID-19 causes only mild symptoms in most people infected with it, the WHO said those with pre-existing medical conditions are faced with the threat of developing severe complications from the virus, including pneumonia and death.
Also, those who are immune-compromised have a reduced ability to fight off and recover from infections, increasing their risk of contracting COVID-19, among others, and developing more severe symptoms.
The WHO said despite more cases being detected worldwide, it is unclear if being pregnant increases one’s risk for COVID-19. However, the changes in a pregnant woman’s body can put them at higher risk for other infections.
Viruses in the same family as COVID-19, as well as other viral respiratory infections like influenza, pose a higher risk of developing into more severe forms in pregnant women that may also affect the baby./PN
