Ilocos Sur town reverts to MECQ

MANILA, Philippines — Cabugao town in Ilocos Sur has reverted to a stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to contain the surge of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 cases.

Fifteen cases were recorded in Cabugao yesterday, bringing the total to 25. Among those infected was a small town lottery collector, who was exposed to a bettor.

The municipal health office said there are 103 suspected cases in 25 barangays.

Gov. Ryan Luis Singson said a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. would be in effect while the town is under MECQ.

Singson’s executive order declaring the stricter quarantine is expected to be concurred by the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Manaoag church closed

In Pangasinan, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag remained closed yesterday for disinfection.

Public worship and other liturgical services may resume this afternoon, according to an advisory posted on the Facebook page of the church.

“Prayers and masses will be offered in private by priests and brothers of the Dominican community,” it said.

The provincial health office said Manaoag logged 23 new cases, bringing the total to 30.

23 more cops infected

Meanwhile, 23 more police officers tested positive for COVID-19.

The Philippine National Police said Cagayan Valley and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao recorded five new cases; Central Luzon, three; Western Visayas, two, and Calabarzon, one. Seven others are from various operational support units of the PNP.

The PNP said 9,182 of its personnel have contracted COVID-19 since last year.

The death toll remains at 28 while 8,831 or 96.17 percent of the patients have recovered.

PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said 17 remain confined in hospitals and 306 are in quarantine facilities.

A total of 79,624 PNP personnel underwent swab testing. – Eva Visperas, Emmanuel Tupas