Ecija towns, cities now under lockdown due to 2 COVID-19 cases, death of PUI

CABANATUAN CITY — Two confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the death of a person under investigation (PUI) has prompted 23 Nueva Ecija towns and cities to impose a lockdown on Saturday, March 21.

Gov. Aurelio Umali said the COVID-19 patients did not show symptoms and are likely to survive. Patient 285 is a 43-year-old medical representative from Cabanatuan City while Patient 286 is a 45-year-old resident of San Isidro town.

While awaiting test results, doctors have began tracing back people who had contact with a 65-year-old balikbayan from Canada, who died after returning to the country for a vacation.

Spurred by these developments, quarantine rules have been tightened in San Jose City, Gapan City, Cabanatuan City and the towns of Cuyapo, Zaragoza, Lupao, Guimba, Nampicuan, Sto. Domingo, Bongabon, Gen. Natividad, Carranglan, San Leonardo, Talugtug, Licab, Rizal, Talavera, Aliaga, Peñaranda, Jaen, Cabiao,Laur, and Santa Rosa.

In her Executive Order 2020-007, Cabanatuan Mayor Myca Elizabeth Vergara informed residents that the city government will issue quarantine passes to people who have three specific purposes to leave home: buying food and essential supplies, buying medicines, and going to a hospital for treatment.