PLACING the entire city under total lockdown will have a "domino effect," Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said after she placed the city under community quarantine.
Duterte-Carpio, in a radio interview on 87.5 FM Disaster Radio on Monday afternoon, March 16, said she personally does not recommend imposing a total lockdown, as it will have an economic impact not only for the city but also to its neighboring cities and provinces.
"We cannot really close down our city. Otherwise, pag mahugno atong siyudad, mahugno atong silingan, mahugno silang tanan (Otherwise, if our city collapses so will our neighboring cities and provinces)," the mayor said, adding that it would be a "very difficult decision" she has to make.
Based on the recommendations from local medical experts, Duterte-Carpio said it is best to impose a total lockdown or closure of city boundaries, and prohibit the entry and exit of non-residents to prevent the virus from spreading.
The Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH-Davao), on Sunday evening, March 15, confirmed the first Covid-19 case in the region. The confirmation had resulted in the implementation of a partial lockdown in Davao and Tagum cities in all entry and exit points.
But Duterte-Carpio said Davao City, being a "pseudo-economic center," cannot be totally closed since other provinces rely on the city's medical services.
She also said there are also students and employees from other provinces who study and work in Davao City.
The mayor, meanwhile, asks for understanding from all Dabawenyos on why she cannot impose a "martial law"-like lockdown in the city's border points.
However, she said she will only implement a total lockdown if the situation deems it necessary.
As a preventive measure, she reminded the public to stay indoors and do self-quarantine, especially those who recently traveled from Covid-infected areas.
She also told them to limit unnecessary travels outside their residences. She reiterated her message to the public to practice sanitary practices such as regular hand washing with soap and water, and lessen their dependence on alcohol and sanitizers.
"We should make the sacrifice for others, but ensure na bisan we make the sacrifice, dili mo magkasakit (but we should also ensure that our health will not be jeopardized brought about by these sacrifices)," Duterte-Carpio said.
She also said stringent screening measures on the city's checkpoints will be implemented.