The province of Ilocos Norte has tightened travel protocols to all entering cargo vehicles and Authorized Person Outside Residence (APOR) to further contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Based on the updated general guidelines issued by Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc on Friday, all APOR, returning and visiting residents are now required to present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test while minimizing movement and observing social distancing.
From August 1 to 14, Ilocos Norte will be under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to address the Delta variant threat and other variants believed to have contributed in the continuing surge of infections here.
To ensure the strict implementation of border checkpoints as well as quarantine protocols, an augmentation force composed of 40 new police officers from the Regional Police Office in Region 1 will be in the province to assist in the aggressive contact tracing and border control.
As Laoag remains to have the most number of cases with 1,001 active cases as of July 29, the governor said he may consider placing the city under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) if cases continue to rise.
In addition to that, the provincial government will be opening communication hotlines to encourage the people to report individuals who violate quarantine protocols in the province.
With heightened border control measures, aggressive contact tracing efforts and massive vaccination rollout in various parts of the province, the governor hopes the rate of infection in the province will be neutralized the soonest possible time.
“We hired additional contact tracers and the Philippine National Police re-assigned 24 officers to help our contact tracing teams. We also asked our village officials to get on board,” said Manotoc following the confirmation of six cases of Delta variants in Laoag City and the towns of Pasuquin, Currimao and Pagudpud.
While the province will be under MECQ, the governor said leisure movement will be disallowed including the conduct of religious gatherings, no dine-in in restaurants and businesses like salons, barbershops, and gyms will be closed. (PNA)
Source: Philippines News Agency
