By Marie Tonette Marticio
TACLOBAN City - Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone has placed the entire province under a general community quarantine effective Sunday, March 22, due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) threats.
Eastern Samar Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone
(Photo courtesy of BEN Evardone: Congressman Han Sinirangan Facebook page / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The quarantine would limit the movement of people to accessing basic necessities and work until April 12, or until otherwise lifted upon recommendation by the provincial health office or the provincial interagency COVID-19 taskforce.
"We are facing a big crisis in our health and economy. We all need to sacrifice. Hence, I am appealing for everyone's help. Do not go out and stop loitering. Avoid large gatherings because we need to protect ourselves from this disease," the governor urged.
The order will also restrict non-essential entry and exit of people to the province by land, sea or air, especially persons with a high risk of being infected.
Evardone shared that he, himself, is on self-quarantine, and was not accepting visitors due to his recent travel history to Metro Manila.
"I need to protect myself, my family, and the people of our province. This is just a small sacrifice. Let us help one another to overcome this and pray," he noted.
Health workers, police, army, and authorized government officials, among others, are exempted from said restrictions.
He added that the entry of non-residents to the provincial coastlines, regardless of origin, will be prohibited.
The Philippine Coast Guard and other concerned agencies shall monitor and refuse entry of any vessel attempting to dock and enter the province through coastlines.
He directed all local government units to impose a curfew as they deem appropriate.
Workplaces in the private and public sectors, as well as public utility vehicles, are urged to practice social distancing and safety measures against COVID-19.