Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has issued an executive order (EO) banning the entry of all vessels from China, Hong Kong, and Macau into seaports within the jurisdiction of Iloilo City.
The issuance of EO No. 42 aims to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which originated in Wuhan, China.
Treñas said “there is a need address the threat of COVID-19, and its potential risk and danger to the health and lives of the inhabitants of Iloilo City.”
The mayor cited Section 16 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code, which states: “Every local government unit (LGU) shall exercise the power expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as power necessarily , appropriate or incidental for its efficient and effective governance and those which are essential to the promotion of general welfare. Within their territorial jurisdictions, LGUs shall ensure and support, among other things… promote health and safety…”
“The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on Jan. 30, 2020 the disease as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHWIC),” the EO stated.
“It is well understood that the WHO directs the urgent need to coordinate the international efforts to minimize the threat of COVID-19 and to reduce the risk of further internationa spread,” it added.
The Department of Health (DOH-6) said Iloilo City and the whole Western Visayas region remained free of COVID-19 as of Tuesday, March 3.
Dr. Mary Jane Juanico, head of the Infectious Disease Section of the Department of Health (DOH-6), said the 40 patients under investigation (PUIs) in region tested negative for COVID-19.
Of the total PUIs, 9 are from Aklan, 2 from Antique, 8 from Capiz, 9 from Iloilo province, 5 from Negros Occidental, 4 from Bacolod City, and 3 from Iloilo City.IMT
Photo of Iloilo International Port Complex in Loboc La Paz, Iloilo City by mcgutib
