Jail, town locked down
Once an area is declared under critical zone, no one is allowed to go in and out
A total of 89 inmates of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail (INPJ) tested positive for the coronavirus disease, prompting the provincial government to declare it a critical zone and place it under lockdown.
Dr. Norman Rabago, provincial health consultant for COVID-19 in Ilocos Norte, said the infected persons were all asymptomatic and are now in isolation units.
The 89 were among the 92 new cases confirmed on Sunday. A total of 160 INPJ inmates were swabbed after five guards earlier tested positive.
Vitamins, fruits and grocery items were delivered to INPJ from various donors.
“Once an area is declared under critical zone, no one is allowed to go in and out,” Rabago said, assuring that the Provincial Health Task Force continues to improve ways to contain the virus.
“We ask for your continued support, understanding and cooperation.”
As of 29 November, Ilocos Region’s actives cases tally listed 135 admitted in health facilities, 162 in home quarantine and 266 in other quarantine facilities.
Of Ilocos Norte’s 265 total confirmed cases, 156 have recovered.
The region has 3,271 total cases so far, with Pangasinan having 1,699.
In Baybay City, Leyte, a community will remain under lockdown after secondary contacts of confirmed patients tested positive.
Mayor Jose Carlos Cari extended the lockdown in Sangi-Minteryo area, a portion of Hipugsno village, until 15 December to facilitate surveillance, contact tracing and testing.
The community was first locked down on 18 November.
As of Sunday, Baybay has 59 active cases, 39 of them from Hipugsno.
All residents cannot go out, except for medical, essential and emergency purposes.
The mayor’s order stated that there shall be no outdoor activities and physical exercises, including loitering, playing and mingling of children and adults outside their homes; liquor ban is in effect; and temporary closure of all stores and business establishments would be implemented within the lockdown period.
All minor roads to Sangi-Minteryo are closed while checkpoints have been set up in main entry and exit points.
Use of public transportation is not allowed even for personal purposes.
The city social welfare and development of fice assured assistance for affected families.
The mayor’s order stated that there shall be no outdoor activities and physical exercises, including loitering, playing and mingling of children and adults outside their homes; liquor ban is in effect; and temporary closure of all stores and business establishments would be implemented within the lockdown period.