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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DILG warns of stricter quarantine to contain virus this holiday season

DILG warns of stricter quarantine to contain virus this holiday season

Published Dec 19, 2020 10:52 am

With the COVID-19 surge dangerously creeping in the country this holiday season, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned the public Saturday that stricter quarantine protocols will be imposed to prevent the further transmission of the virus.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (NTF AGAINST COVID-19 / MANILA BULLETIN)

Health experts attributed the spike of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks to the relaxed enforcement of quarantine guidelines as the government saw the need to open business firms to boost the country’s depleted economy which was severely pummeled by the pandemic.

In an interview, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said that additional Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel will be deployed in converging areas like markets, malls, "tiangge" (flea market), and public parks to ensure that minimum health standards are absolutely observed.

Instead of grumbling, Año appealed to the public to fully support the government’s heed to just follow the stringent quarantine health measures enforced by the government.

“Roving patrols are ready to accost violators while mall and business establishment owners are required to impose health protocols,’’ Año said.

Earlier, President Duterte asked the public for more patience as the quarantine guidelines are being implemented for their own good.

On Thursday, Año said that the DILG and the Department of Health (DoH) met the representatives of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Liga ng Barangay ng Pilipinas (LBP), and Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL) via virtual teleconference “to discuss the preparations and measures to be adopted by the LGUs on how to manage the COVID-19 situation during the Christmas season.’’

During the meeting, Año said the DoH presented the current situation and the projection (of COVID-19 cases) for the next two weeks.

The DILG chief said that local government unit officials “have committed to adopt measures to contain any anticipated surge or spike during the holidays.’’

“Quarantine protocols shall be jointly implemented by LGUs and law enforcers, particularly the PNP, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP),’’ Año noted.

Año also emphasized that “continuous advocacies and information campaign shall be done through various media platforms.’’

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