By Marie Tonette Marticio
TACLOBAN City - Although the local government of Ormoc City had earlier expressed readiness to impose a lockdown in order to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Mayor Richard Gomez has opted to issue an executive order for the establishment of border control points (BCP) in all entry points, including seaports in the city.
Gomez said the entry points shall be manned by the police, army, barangay police, the Philippine Ports Authority, and the Philippine Coast Guard. They will be headed by representatives from the City Health Office (CHO).
All vans and multicab operators are directed to submit passenger manifests to the terminal or port manager.
The order also requires the submission of health forms by all individuals before entering the city.
Minors are discouraged to loiter beyond their school premises and houses, while senior citizens and individuals with existing medical conditions are also urged to stay at home to reduce the risk of being infected.
He encouraged people coming from areas with positive cases to refrain from going to the city.
"If you love your families you should sacrifice and should not come home until the situation gets better," he urged.
The official appeals for the people to be proactive in reporting to barangays individuals coming from Metro Manila and other affected areas for them to undergo home-quarantine for 14 days.
The person shall be considered as a patient under investigation (PUI) or patient under monitoring (PUM) depending on the evaluation of the CHO.
"Reporting is important as well as self-quarantine. I'm also asking you to be responsible Ormocanons, in case you have fever or cough, please quarantine yourself," he appealed.
He also discouraged them to go to hospitals if they are experiencing difficulty in breathing due to cough, but to call the local government’s hotline numbers.
Ormoc has closed its tourist spots to the public, including Lake Danao and the Ormoc Museum.
Masses and other religious activities are encouraged to observe social distancing of at least 1 me1-meters.