Tarlac gov wants travelers from Manila to self-quarantine

CAPAS, TARLAC –– Governor Susan Yap on Saturday (Mar. 14) asked natives of the province now staying in Metro Manila to submit to a 14-day self-quarantine before returning to Tarlac, particularly for the Holy Week break.

“Tulung-tulong po tayo at kakayanin natin labanan ang COVID-19 threat (Let us all help each other combat the threat posed by the coronavirus disease), ” Yap said, a day before the government locks-in Metro Manila residents under a month-long community quarantine beginning on Sunday (Mar. 15).

The governor has discouraged all activities that would entail the gathering of huge crowds.

Cock derbies have been suspended for 30 days beginning on March 13, said Police Colonel David Poklay, Tarlac police director.

In a separate statement, Tarlac Bishop Enrique Macaraeg suspended Mass in all churches, chapels, and schools in the Diocese of Tarlac from March 15 to March 25.

Parishioners were encouraged to tune in to Mass broadcast over television or radio, or which are posted live on social media.

However, churches will remain open and will ring its bells daily at noon and at 8 p.m. to remind Catholics to pray the Oratio Imperata, which is recited during times of crisis./lzb