By Chito Chavez
The Quezon City government on Sunday said it has placed two of the areas in a barangay under the special concern lockdown (SCL) after the surge of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
Assistant City Administrator Alberto Kimpo identified these areas are 138 Ermin Garcia St. and 52 Imperial St., both in Barangay E. Rodriguez.
“From two active cases, the number of COVID-19 cases in these two areas went up to 15, this came after Metro Manila eased into general community quarantine,” Kimpo explained.
Kimpo added that the move to place the two areas under SCL was made upon the request of Barangay Chairman Marciano Buena-Agua Jr. and verification from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (QCESU).
“Due to the seriousness of the situation, we immediately put these places under SCL, and seek the national government's concurrence,” said Kimpo.
According to Dr. Rolly Cruz, head of the QCESU they will conduct rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) on the said residents on June 15.
“Confirmatory tests will follow once we get the RDT results,” said Cruz.
Kimpo said the city government is also mulling to place Cadena de Amor St. in Barangay Central under SCL after three positive COVID-19 cases were recorded in two different households.
“The patients are under home quarantine and have been swabbed for confirmatory testing,” said Kimpo.
As of now, areas under SCL are Sitio Militar in Barangay Bahay Toro, Calle 29 in Barangay Libis, and Kaingin Bukid in Barangay Apolonio Samson.
Earlier, the local government lifted the SCL in various areas after no new COVID-19 cases were recorded after the 14-day lockdown period and additional extension period.
These areas are Dakila St., Kalayaan B, and Masbate St. in Barangay Batasan Hills; Vargas St., GK Ancop, and Certeza Compound in Barangay Culiat; Lower Gulod in Barangay Sauyo; Victory Ave, BMA Ave., Agno St., and ROTC Hunters in Barangay Tatalon; and Howmart Road in Barangay Baesa.
Mayor Joy Belmonte called the lifting of the SCL in these areas as “small victories” in the fight against COVID-19, which were achieved through the help and cooperation of residents.