Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas announced the city government is considering a lockdown of the city as a proactive measure against the coronavirus disease, or Covid-19.
“With the increasing number of PUIs (patients under investigation) we have in the city, we need to act fast,” the mayor posted on social media. “We need to move fast so we can stop the virus and be able to save lives.”
He explained, during a lockdown, “essential establishments” will remain open in order for local residents to acquire daily needs and noted, after meeting with representatives from supermarkets and pharmacies, “They have assured the ongoing supply of goods.”
However, movement within the city will be limited.
“Indi lang nga kada adlaw gwa ka na lang sa balay mo (You will not be permitted to leave your home everyday),” Treñas explained.
He added, city residents will be permitted to visit the supermarket to purchase food, medicine, and essential business necessities; along with conducting transactions at the bank.
The mayor insisted the lockdown is not final but said, “This is for the best of everyone.”
Meanwhile, with the Iloilo City Health Office reported, as of 10:00 a.m. yesterday, a total 27 patients under investigation and 980 persons under monitoring in the city, Treñas said the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is poised to raise the alert level in the city to Code Red Alert.
The mayor has since met with Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, and Capiz Governor Esteban Contreras to discuss the potential lockdown./WDJ