GCQ extended in several Albay towns, cities

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines — Albay’s Interagency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF) extended on Wednesday the general community quarantine (GCQ) earlier declared in several towns and cities of the province in a bid to further prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara, on Wednesday, has issued Executive Order No. 22 extending the GCQ in the towns of Tiwi, Malinao, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, Manito, Daraga, Camalig, Oas and the cities of Legazpi and Tabaco.

The towns that remain under modified GCQ are Rapu-Rapu, Jovelar, Guinobatan, Libon, Pioduran, Polangui, and Ligao City.

Bichara said the amended community quarantine levels would be enforced from July 1 to 15.

He said areas placed under GCQ were directed to enforce tighter health protocols such as limiting the movement of people under 18 years old, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities.

The order said stricter health protocols should be carried out in cities and towns where COVID-19 cases continued to increase.

These protocols include checkpoints, lockdowns, liquor ban, curfew hours, temporary closure of public parks, resorts, and other areas that attract mass gatherings.

According to the Department of Health, as of June 29, Albay has logged 84 new cases, bringing to a total of 2,171 the active COVID-19 cases in the province.

Albay has also recorded 4,347 cumulative cases since March last year with 2,049 recoveries and 127 deaths.

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