By Dominique Gabriel Bañaga

Barangay San Jose in Negros Occidental’s Sipalay City was placed on lockdown starting Sunday, September 20, in response to suspected cases of Covid-19 in the area.

The city’s Inter-Agency Task Force and the local government unit of Barangay San Jose have implemented standard contact tracing, decontamination, zoning, and containment procedures.

All residents of Barangay San Jose, including city government employees living in the area and identified close contacts of the suspected cases, were enjoined to stay at home and strictly follow all health protocols.

“The households placed under quarantine in the area have been provided with food packs by the city government as well,” the statement said.

All city government employees who are residing in the said barangay and city personnel who have had close contact with the suspected cases have also been instructed to arrange a work-from-home scheme and to observe strict home quarantine, which took effect on Monday.

“The city government of Sipalay is asking for your continued understanding, vigilance and support in our fight against this pandemic,” the task force added.

As of September 15, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Sipalay City was at 38, with 27 recoveries and 11 active cases./DGB, WDJ