QC: Local lockdowns help find new cases

The implementation of special concern lockdown in several parts of Quezon City has resulted in the detection and isolation of more coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, according to the local government.

“We’re able to find new cases and prevent the risk of spreading the disease by immediately transferring positive cases to our HOPE community care facilities or to hospitals,” Rolly Cruz, head of the city epidemiology and surveillance unit, said.

“If those areas haven’t been placed under special concern lockdown, people who might be carrying the disease can easily go in and out of their homes and spread the virus around their communities,” he added.

Since the lockdown was implemented in some parts of the city, 4,013 residents underwent rapid testing, with 240 testing positive.

These 240 residents underwent confirmatory polymerase chain reaction tests, which came back with 53 positive cases, Cruz said.

Assistant city administrator for operations Alberto Kimpo said they “are able to zero in on areas that need extra attention and identify clustering of positive cases.”

Two new areas have been placed on lockdown – 138 Ermin Garcia street and 52 Imperial street, both in Barangay E. Rodriguez – after the number of active cases in the areas increased from two to 15 over two weeks.

Of those previously placed on lockdown, only Sitio Militar in Barangay Bahay Toro, Calle 29 in Barangay Libis and Kaingin Bukid in Barangay Apolonio Samson remain under special concern lockdown.

As of Friday, there are 2,605 cases in Quezon City, with 1,291 recoveries and 207 deaths.