BACOLOD CITY –– At least 700 houses in Barangay Bug-ang Proper in Toboso of Negros Occidental were locked down for seven days starting Wednesday, April 7, after a spike in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.
Mayor Richard Jaojoco said the Toboso Inter-Agency Task Force decided to restrain the people in at least five sub-villages in Bug-ang to prevent residents from roaming and spreading the virus.
An official of the Department of Education in Bug-ang tested positive for COVID-19. At least seven of her family members and a close contact have the virus.
Authorities await the test results of 20 other close contacts.
Jaojoco said food assistance was delivered to the Bug-ang gym on Tuesday for distribution to the 700 houses on Wednesday.
A pass will be given to each household to allow a family member to go out for essential needs.
As of Tuesday, there were 15 active COVID-19 cases in Toboso.