LGUs step up measures vs COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Mayors of three local government units affected by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) have assured the public that necessary steps are being undertaken to prevent the spread of the disease.

The city governments of San Juan and Taguig, both in Metro Manila, and Cainta in Rizal have been exerting efforts to address the problem. 

Meanwhile, the city government of Navotas will suspend classes tomorrow as a precaution against COVID-19. 

Mayor Toby Tiangco clarified there is no case of COVID-19 in his city and that the city government is merely enforcing preventive measures to keep the people safe.

He said the virus can spread easily, especially in crowded places like schools.

Tiangco urged the Department of Education to grant passing grades so students do not have to attend classes anymore.

Cainta Mayor Kit Nieto said his health team distributed disinfectants and face masks in areas near the residence of the fifth patient tested positive for COVID-19.

The patient is said to be the first case of local transmission reported  in the country. 

The family has been put under quarantine after the patient’s wife also tested positive for the disease. 

Nieto said he would suspend classes in all levels in both private and public schools until Tuesday.

He said the local government would distribute additional face masks and hand sanitizers as well as vitamin supplements to prevent the spread of the virus.

“More directives will be issued... all tricycle drivers and jeepney drivers are ordered to wear masks while plying their routes,” Nieto said on a post on social media.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said the city government sanitized and disinfected the prayer room of the mall that the patient visited.

Zamora said the management of the Greenhills Shopping Center was also ordered to conduct the same action for the safety of the public.

He said on Friday night that he would met with the city’s coronavirus task force and other concerned agencies.

The city government cancelled all public activities set this weekend and in the coming weeks as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, the city government of Taguig stepped up its monitoring and reporting system to prevent the spread of the disease. 

Earlier, city officials confirmed that the patient is an employee of a company whose office is located in Bonifacio Global City.  

Mayor Lino Cayetano said he ordered two ambulance teams deployed near the area, established a service hotline and issued guidelines on holding mass gatherings. 

“We are confident that through close coordination with the DOH, we can identify and monitor all persons under investigation and address all concerns regarding COVID-19,” Cayetano said. 

The Bonifacio Global City administration said it is undertaking frequent sanitation and disinfection of all establishments and ensures that protocols are being followed to manage the situation. – With Marc Jayson Cayabyab