Surging cases hound Laoag
Mayor orders public market shutdown
Laoag City was forced to close its public market starting Tuesday to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The market and adjacent commercial complex were disinfected from 26 to 28 November while over 500 residents underwent voluntary swab testing on Monday.
So far, Laoag has 226 positive cases, with 64 recoveries. Of 162 active cases, seven are market vendors.
While the public market will be indefinitely closed, 80 villages will set up talipapa (mini market) to make basic necessities available.
The city government also prepared 16,000 packs of relief goods for affected residents, according to Mayor Michael Keon.
Tricycles cannot operate Saturday and Sunday. The use of bikes and other non-motorized transportation is strongly encouraged.
Number coding of tricycles are in effect while the city is under modified enhanced community quarantine, which may last for two more weeks.
Public transportation shall be limited to 50 percent capacity, taxi cabs must allow just two passengers and tricycles, only one.
Tricycle with franchise numbers ending in 1 and 2 are not allowed on Mondays, 3 and 4 on Tuesdays, 5 and 6 on Wednesdays, 7 and 8 on Thursdays and 9 and 0 on Fridays.
“Tricycles cannot operate Saturday and Sunday. The use of bikes and other non-motorized transportation is strongly encouraged,” Keon ordered.
Most businesses remained operational while essential workers who are non-residents can still enter the city. Shuttle buses and tricycles will bring them to work.
Meanwhile, police arrested five persons who presented fake documents of COVID-19 test results at the South Badoc border on Monday.
Two of the suspects were onboard delivery trucks. One was supposed to deliver alcohol to San Nicolas and the other construction supplies to Currimao town.
The fake documents lacked stamps and dry seals while the signatures were obviously scanned. Upon checking, their names were not on the list of those who underwent tests.