TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Samar has placed Tarangnan town under enhanced community quarantine due to the rising threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The fourth-class town, with a population of 25,000, is considered as the most affected in Eastern Visayas, with a total of 20 cases out of the regional figure of 25 cases with two full recoveries and zero deaths.
Governor Michael Tan on Friday night issued Executive Order No. 25 restricting the movement of people in Tarangnan from May 16 to 31 or until repealed by the regional inter-agency task force or its national counterpart.
As directed, all residents below 20 and above 60 years old, pregnant women, and other individuals with high risks of infection are strictly prohibited from leaving their respective homes.
Only one person per household, who must be 21 to 59 years old will be allowed to go out for valid reasons provided they have quarantine passes issued by the municipal mayor or village officials.
Quarantine pass holder should not be a suspected, probable, or confirmed Covid-19 patients or had been directed to undergo isolation, Tan said.
“Those who are given the privilege to leave their houses are required to wear a face mask at all times. Those are working must present their employment certification in lieu of their quarantine pass,” he added.
The executive order also prohibits travel in and out of the municipal jurisdiction except when it involves authorized persons outside of the residence.
“The movement of food and non-food items must not be hampered and must not be delayed upon presentation of the cargo manifest or delivery receipt indicating the destination, nature, and quantity of loaded goods or cargoes,” it added.
The directive allows operation of essential business establishments provided they operate in a skeleton workforce or other alternative work arrangements, provide shuttle or temporary accommodation to workers, and strictly observe social distancing and other safety protocols.
Public transportation within the town can operate under enhanced community quarantine, while those originating outside will not be allowed entry.
All villages in the municipality are also ordered to set-up checkpoints to ensure strict implementation of health protocols to fight the further spread of the disease in the community. (PNA)
