THE local government of Lingayen in Pangasinan is mulling a localized lockdown in some barangays due to the increase in the number of residents testing positive for the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Lingayen is one of the top five towns in the province with the highest number of Covid-19 cases, with 29 active confirmed cases, according to the town’s Municipal Health Office.

In an interview on October 21, Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil said some residents have been “negligent” and are no longer concerned about the potential danger the coronavirus could bring.

He said before, only locally stranded individuals (LSIs) were tested positive for Covid-19, but the latest cases are suspected to be the result of local transmission.

Bataoil added if the Covid-19 situation worsens, he would not take second thoughts in imposing lockdowns in the town to protect the citizens.

Bataoil recently issued a written order to all barangay captains in the town to intensify health safety protocols, such as wearing face masks and face shields, practicing physical distancing, and prohibition of mass gatherings.

As of October 21, the town recorded four new confirmed cases for Covid-19 and five recoveries. They are residents of Barangays Baay, Libsong West, and Poblacion.

Two of them are frontliners, one a direct contact of a positive patient, while the other is a suspected case.

Lingayen has a total of 80 cases, of which 48 have recovered, while three individuals have died. (PNA)