DepEd exec’s ‘gross laxity’ forces Zambales to eye selective lockdown

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales –– While Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces returned to more stringent restrictions to contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), selective lockdowns may be imposed on Zambales province amid outbreaks.

In a statement Monday, Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said some areas or jurisdictions had pending requests for selective lockdown, including some parts of Botolan town and some private residences in Castillejos town.

“What made our situation unique was brought about by the ‘gross laxity’ on the part of a senior provincial [Department of Education] official, triggering an immediate massive reaction from Zambales [local government units],” Ebdane said.

Ebdane was referring to the two seminars organized by the DepEd school’s division in the province early this month.

At least 50 of the 300 DepEd employees, who attended the seminars, had tested positive for COVID-19.

Ebdane said they had conducted mass testing on the other seminar attendees, family members, and support groups.

The province now has 1,123 COVID-19 cases, 187 of them active.

Zambales remains under modified general community quarantine.

LZB