MANILA, Philippines – A community at Barangay (village) Paso de Blas in Valenzuela City will be placed under a two-week lockdown starting Saturday, July 25 following a rise in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the area.
Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian announced in a letter dated Thursday that Bagong Kaunlaran will be placed under a community lockdown beginning 12 a.m. on Saturday until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 9.
Gatchalian said the decision was reached after the past rounds of COVID-19 testing in the area revealed that 25% to 50% of the community’s residents tested positive for the respiratory disease.
Food and water will be rationed every five days until the lockdown is lifted. Hygiene kits will also be provided to the residents.
Below is the schedule of food and water ration:
First ration – July 25, Saturday
Second ration – July 30, Thursday
Third ration – August 4, Tuesday
Fourth ration – August 9, Sunday
During the lockdown, entering and exiting Bagong Kaunlaran will be strictly prohibited. Residents are advised to stay at home.
Violators of the ordinance will be subjected to:
-A penalty of P10, 000 or jail time of up to 30 days (Ordinance No. 742, series of 2020, or the “COVID-19 Spread Prevention Ordinance of Valenzuela City)
-A penalty of P5, 000 (Ordinance No. 670, series of 2020, or the “Stay at Home Ordinance of Valenzuela City”)
Gatchalian likewise assured residents of continued water and electricity supply even if they are not able to pay their utility bills during the lockdown period as the local government has discussed the situation with Maynilad and the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).
The barangay will also establish a “Padala Station” where relatives of the families under quarantine can send food items and other essential goods.
Donors, meanwhile, are advised to put the goods in disposable packaging as items are also prohibited to exit the quarantined area or to be returned to the sender.
Should there be any health-related emergency during the lockdown, the affected residents may contact the Medical Command Post via text message or at mobile number 0908-409-9128.
As of 11 p.m. Wednesday, Valenzuela City recorded a total of 1,569 COVID-19 cases, with 563 recoveries and 46 deaths. — Jim Mendoza, Trainee