LEGAZPI CITY –– The City Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has warned residents in this city about the slight surge in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in recent days.
The spike was due to the influx of local stranded individuals (LSI) and authorized persons outside residents (APOR) from Metro Manila and other regions.
City Mayor Noel Rosal said the spike has prompted the IATF to issue an advisory reiterating the call for stricter enforcement of the health protocols and border checkpoints.
“We are experiencing a slight increase in COVID cases mainly due to the arrival of LSI and APOR that may have passed through the COVID border checkpoints without proper travel pass documents,” Rosal said.
Citing a city COVID-19 data, Rosal said that from Dec. 1 to 15, Legazpi recorded five to six cases, but this surged to an average of three cases daily from Dec. 16 to 18.
On Dec. 18, the IATF recorded 386 cases in Legazpi City. Of this figure, 355 have recovered, 15 are still sick, and 16 have died.
The IATF said that of the 70 villages in the city, nine have had no COVID cases since the pandemic was declared in March, two villages have minimal active cases, (Yellow category), and the majority have no active cases, but the risk of infection is still present (Green category).
“Let us protect each other. Let’s strictly observe the health protocols, and consider the cost of relaxing COVID restrictions for the holiday season, which can lead to further restrictions and even lockdown if the cases resurge,” Rosal said.
The IATF is expecting an increase in the number of inbound travelers and that people will tend to gather in homes, shopping malls, public places, and churches.
To prevent the resurgence of COVID-19, new and additional health protocols have been enforced.
The IATF mandated that all inbound travelers (LSI, ROFs, APORs) are required to pass through the City Community Home Quarantine facility immediately upon arrival. Going home directly would not be permitted.
All barangays were directed to strictly monitor and report the arrival of inbound travelers in their areas.
The wearing of masks and face shields are required in all public places and transport facilities.
Playing of videoke and karaoke machines in business establishments are prohibited, although videokes may be allowed in homes starting 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a maximum sound level of 80 decibels.
A ban on Christmas parties, social gatherings, caroling, and other forms of gathering that violate the standard health protocols is also in place.
Firecracker selling and use are strictly prohibited.