ILOILO – Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. assured Ilonggos that preparations are now in place as the province wages war on an enemy that wouldn’t need bullets to defeat – the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Defensor placed the entire province under an enhanced community quarantine on Friday until April 14 to halt the spread of the disease that has now breached the province.
He said the enhanced community quarantine can be considered a “lockdown.”
“A lockdown because it is a matter of degree. It’s really a stoppage of activities,” Defensor said.
Based on the order of the governor, Ilonggos shall observe strict home quarantine where movement of people shall be limited only to accessing basic necessities and health needs.
“Ginahawanan naton ang tawo sa karsada kag sa tanan nga lugar kay ti indi maglapta ang masakit kon wala sang tawo,” hambal ni Defensor.
All establishments shall be closed except from establishments providing food and water like markets and grocery stores; establishments providing health needs like hospitals and drug stores; establishments that engage in the processing and storage of food products; and those who provide financial services like banks and pawnshops.
The markets will remain open but Defensor said the “market day” being identified by the local government unit will be suspended.
“Magpa-umod anay kita, magpasensya kag magpahimuyong, dali man lang ini,” stressed Defensor.
The public utilities providing transportation, power, energy, water, telecommunications, and cargo handling will continue to operate.
Likewise, agricultural supply stores, gasoline stations, media establishments and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) will be allowed.
Liquor ban will also be imposed during the lockdown period, Defensor said.
Those who are vulnerable to the virus, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with existing ailments and medical problems shall also be put on reverse isolation procedure.
The order also states that vulnerable persons shall be given priority in the reduction of personnel, rationalization of work hours and implementation of work-from-home arrangements in open establishment and government offices.
Moreover, Defensor said the province will also start implementing on March 21 a curfew from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The ordinance implementing curfew hours in the entire province was passed by the Iloilo board members on Thursday.
The ordinance bans people in any public places like streets and plazas during the curfew hours. (With PNA/PN)
