ILOILO CITY –– The City of Iloilo will be placed on “lockdown” starting March 20 as part of heightened efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas announced on Thursday that “enhanced community quarantine” would be implemented to limit the mobility of persons.
“These are extraordinary times,” he said during a press conference.
Under an executive order set to be issued on Thursday, only travel for essential purposes would be allowed by public utility vehicles, which would be permitted to operate. A liquor ban and a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. will also be imposed.
Most establishments will be closed, except for grocery stores, supermarkets, wet markets, banks, drug stores, gasoline stations, water refilling stations, convenience stores, burial and crematory services. Media outlets will be allowed.
Treñas said an initial P39 million would be released as food assistance for city residents.
The city government is eyeing the use of two public elementary schools as quarantine areas.
The provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique, Capiz, and Aklan have earlier imposed border restrictions.