CEBU CITY—While other areas in Central Visayas are scrambling to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a fifth-class province in the region has remained COVID-19 free.
The situation in Siquijor has been described as “almost normal” as it has yet to record a single COVID-19 case.
“Health protocols are in effect but the situation here is almost normal,” said Police Col. Engelbert Soriano, chief of the Siquijor Provincial Police Office (SPPO).
Soriano said the province remained COVID-19 free probably because of its location.
“Aside from the strict quarantine measures set by the local Inter-Agency Task Force, the nature of the island could be the reason why it remained COVID free. The island is accessible only by sea so it is very easy to monitor the people coming in,” said Soriano.
Despite the zero COVID case, local authorities are not letting their guard down as the province transitioned to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
“We are still implementing minimum health protocols such as 50 percent capacity in restaurants and public transportation and wearing of face masks is mandatory,” said Soriano.
The province, which is composed of 134 barangays, six towns and with a population of 106,000 people, has also set up “very nice” quarantine facilities for returning locally stranded individuals and tourists.
“You cannot hear complaints from those staying in quarantine facilities. There are 81 quarantine facilities that are located by the beach. The accommodation and food are shouldered by the province,” Soriano said.
A quarantine facility exclusive for law enforcers is also available.
Soriano assumed as chief of SPPO last May 2. Policemen, who are non-Siquijor residents, have to be quarantined upon returning to work.
“The province is really strict when it comes to quarantine. Even me, I had to be quarantined for 14 days when I arrived here,” said Soriano.
Soriano said there are six quarantine control points in the province. There is also one quarantine control point dedicated for cargoes.
Soriano, a former chief of the Cebu City Police Office, said coordination between local officials and the police also helped keep the province COVID free.
“We have no problem when it comes to implementing quarantine measures, everything is well-coordinated,” Soriano said.