By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Barangay Montilla in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental has been placed on lockdown after nine residents tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.

Based on an executive order signed by Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo dated April 26, the granular lockdown in the area will last until May 10, 2021.

During the lockdown period, barangay officials will strictly enforce the minimum public health standards within the barangay and must also render full cooperation with the Municipal Health Office (MHO) and other government agencies.

Local residents are not allowed to leave the Barangay, while non-residents are strictly prohibited from entering.

Only members of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, MHO, and the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office are allowed to enter or exit the barangay.

Selling of goods shall also be allowed among the residents of the barangay only, and sellers from other barangays are temporarily barred from doing any business transactions in Barangay Montilla.

Religious services are also allowed, provided that the spiritual leader is a resident of Barangay Montilla. Baptisms, marriage, and funeral services are also allowed although they must secure approval from both the MHO and the municipal government.

The MHO will also conduct random swab testing of residents during the lockdown period.

As of April 25, Moises Padilla has a total of 101 COVID-19 cases, of which 59 are active. The town also recorded 42 recoveries./DGB, WDJ