Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero has ordered a lockdown on the town of Prieto-Diaz following initial findings that at least 75 persons had direct contact with a patient from the town who died of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In Executive Order (EO) No. 52-2020, the lockdown took effect on August 6 and would last for at least seven days.
“There is a need to limit the movement of persons in the municipality.”
“Further contact tracing is necessary in light of these circumstances and in connection with the same, there is a need to limit the movement of persons in the municipality,” the EO stated.
Out of the said number of persons, at least seven were confirmed positive for COVID-19.
“The lockdown may be extended upon the recommendation of the municipal health officer.”
The lockdown may be extended “upon the recommendation of the municipal health officer of Prieto-Diaz in coordination with the Sorsogon provincial health officer in order to help facilitate and complete the necessary contract tracing as soon as possible.”
Based on the EO, “nobody is allowed to leave or enter the territorial jurisdiction of Prieto-Diaz except for essential travel.”
Escudero directed the municipal government to form rules and regulations to ensure unhampered access to basic necessities and immediate dissemination of necessary information during the lockdown.
He also stressed the need for such drastic measures to contain the possible spread of the virus.
The patient died on July 30, the second recorded COVID-19 death in the town as well as in the province.
To date, Sorsogon now has a total of 41 COVID-19 cases, 26 of these are active while 13 had already recovered.
Meanwhile, Castilla Mayor Isagani Mendoza ordered the temporary closure of the Camalig bank in Castilla for contract tracing.
Mendoza also ordered all bank employees to undergo a 14-day home quarantine.