Tuguegarao lockdown extension tightens restrictions against virus spread

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan - As COVID-19 active cases continue to rise at an alarming rate, with local hospitals reaching above bed capacity limits in Cagayan, the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF) approved the recommendation of the City Government to impose a ‘tighter’ 7-day Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ) extension, to stop the spread of the virus.

Mayor Jefferson Soriano ruled that additional protocols with ‘tighter’ control measures will be enforced by the local police and on-ground authorities for the extended 7-day lockdown.

Previously, the city has been placed under ECQ for ten days from August 12 to 21, 2021.

A press briefing was held on Sunday morning, August 22, to address the additional protocols for the lockdown extension along with COVID-19 response concerns.

The city still reports over a hundred new cases each day despite the 10-day heavier quarantine status.

Protocols of the extended 7-day lockdown

Said lockdown extension started at 12 am of Sunday, August 22, and will end midnight of August 28.

Mayor Soriano said that Barangay certifications issued from the community’s respective Barangay halls to supplement their COVID shield passes must be presented to the authorities.

He also added that the Employees from private companies and establishments must also secure certification letters from their employers to support their company IDs as well as their COVID shield passes.

The Tuguegarao City Information Office recently released the following protocols being imposed:

• Public transportation is suspended

• Curfew hours will be 8 pm to 5 am

• Mass/social gatherings are prohibited

• Pharmacies, Drug stores, Talipapas, and satellite markets are allowed to operate daily

• Only take out and deliveries are allowed from permitted establishment operating 24 hours

• Liquor is banned

• Outdoor activities are prohibited

• Vendor’s pass is required

All movements shall be limited to accessing essential goods and services and work in permitted offices or establishments shall only be allowed.

Logistics, riders, and delivery services will be unhampered as well as personnel of essential frontline services such as police, firefighters, health workers, essential personnel from the Office of Civil Defense, military, and media.

Meanwhile, City officials are also currently appealing for an additional two-day extension of the ECQ on August 29-30 to make way for city-wide disinfection.

OTHER NEWS

Fire hits school during a pandemic, might disrupt upcoming classes

Follow Guru Press Cordillera on Facebook for more News and Information