DILG gives go-signal to localized lockdowns

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday said that localized lockdowns may also be enforced in neighborhoods, sitios and subdivisions to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

He clarified that these areas may be subjected to this protocol similar to the barangays when the need arises as the country faces an uphill battle against the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

Año said in an interview with GMA News that localized lockdowns are not only limited to the barangays but also to the smaller units if a fast spread of the disease is recorded.

Referring to this operational framework as “zoning,” Año identified the areas with fast doubling time of COVID-19 cases as critical zones, where people are prohibited from entering and leaving the said places.

Año said places around the critical zones are the containment zones where measures similar to general community quarantine (GCQ) are imposed.

He noted that nearby areas outside the containment zone compose the buffer zone stressing that unlike in the containment zone, business operations are allowed in this section.

Año emphasized that the local governments have the authority to declare these zones with the concurrence of the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

The DILG chief also has recognized the hardships felt by the public with the quarantine protocols being imposed but reiterated that these measures are absolutely necessary to prevent the worsening of the COVID-19 crisis.

Año reminded the public never to be complacent even with the relaxed quarantine regulations in Metro Manila and nearby areas as social distancing, proper hygiene and stay-home policies should be observed.