By Marie Tonette Marticio
TACLOBAN City - In order to strengthen control at its borders to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado has extended the heightened community quarantine being implemented in the province until April 30.
The governor stressed the need to tighten the traffic of people going to and from the province, especially since the province has remained free from the disease with only two COVID-19 suspected patients admitted, and 57 other under home isolation.
He added that the initiative aims to protect Southern Leyteños from the disease as the province cannot stay complacent now that there are recorded cases in neighboring areas.
Eastern Visayas has recorded four COVID-19 cases, with three from Samar and one from Northern Samar.
Mercado shared that under the new executive order, entry to different entry and exit points of the province would continue to be limited.
Stranded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with strict coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration(OWWA) will be allowed entry, but subject to a 14-day quarantine in their respective municipal or barangay isolation.
There would be mandatory wearing of face masks, either washable, reusable, surgical, N95, among others when going out.