ILOILO – With local transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) showing no signs of abating, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. will be banning all public events and gatherings.
“Wala anay public gatherings para ma-address naton ang aton weak point,” said Defensor.
The “weak point” he was referring to was the recent spike in indigenous or local COVID-19 cases due to inadvertent exposure to positive cases.
What amplified the spread of this viral disease, according to Defensor, were large crowds where physical distancing was difficult to observe, and non-adherence to public health protocols such as wearing of facemask.
COVID-19 spreads from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales.
These droplets also land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Defensor also cited the assessment of contact tracers and the recommendation of the Philippine National Police, which point to mass gatherings as the main contributor to the local spread of COVID-19.
The governor is expected to issue today an executive order enforcing enhanced community quarantine rules on public events and gatherings.
Some of these events include wedding ceremonies and receptions, public viewing during wake, funeral or procession, gambling, among others.
“Ngaa? Kay ang tanan naton nga contact tracing team and even as recommended by the Philippine National Police nga ang problema ta ara sa birthday, ara sa himatayan, sa mga amo sina nga mga okasyon,” said Defensor.
He appealed for patience and understanding from the public, citing the erratic trend of COVID-19 cases in the province.
As of Wednesday, Iloilo province had a total of 2,262 cases of COVID-19 with 59 deaths./PN
