Passi, the lone component city of Iloilo province, will be placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the strictest form of lockdown, starting Thursday, Jan. 28.
Mayor Stephen Palmares said the move aims to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the city.
The city’s new quarantine status will last until February 11, 2021.
Palmares said checkpoints will be installed at different border points of Passi City to regulate the movement of people within the area.
But he clarified that their national highway remains open for those travelling from and back to Capiz.
Only essential establishments like supermarkets, convenience stores, public markets, banks, pharmacies, and hospitals will be allowed to operate.
According to Palmares, only one travel pass will be given per household.
The mayor urged residents to stay in their homes and cooperate with the local government unit.
On Wednesday, Jan. 27, Iloilo Provincial Health Office recorded 98 new cases.
Passi City accounted for majority or 77 of the additional infections, followed by San Enrique with 5, Pototan with 4, and Duenas with 2.
The towns of San Joaquin, Batad, Leganes, Oton, Leganes, Banate, Bingawan, Alimodian, Guimbal, San Miguel, and Cabatuan logged one new case each.
The total case count in the province currently stands at 3,577, of which 3,042 have recovered and 103 have died.IMT
