THE local government unit of La Trinidad issued new guidelines in view of the threat of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Mayor Romeo Salda in an amended Executive Order no. 10-2020 banned entry for non-La Trinidad residents except for medical emergencies, health service providers, telecommunications, food lane, agricultural and pharmaceutical deliveries, government employees, armored vans and workers from banks and the Business Process Outsourcing sector.
For those northbound, stakeholders are urged to take the Shilan road route while those who will deliver essential goods must have a business permit.
Except for pharmacies and gas stations allowed to open for 24 hours, all establishments providing basic necessities will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. while observing social distancing (one meter apart).
La Trinidad Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) explained curfew hour starts from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. while travel passes for urgent and required travel in and out of La Trinidad is issued at the municipal hall.
A pass slip is needed for purchasing needs and financial transactions within La Trinidad during allotted window hours issued at the respective barangay halls.
In the window period given, all must wear a face mask including drivers and passengers.
Under the Executive Order signed March 22, all barangays are directed to set up quarantine checkpoints, while barangay officials and peacekeeping action teams, tanods are mandated to conduct monitoring and apprehend violators of curfew hours.
Health workers and vehicles transporting dialysis patients or others for emergency purposes are allowed to counter flow.
The order added all who will go home and will not return to La Trinidad within the period March 22 to April 14 must secure a one-way exit pass at the municipal gym. Moreover, no vehicles and persons should be on the road during curfew hours except the health workers, authorized government officials, those traveling for medical or humanitarian reason, persons providing basic services and essential skeletal workforce.
“A 24-hour municipal liquor ban is also imposed until April 14 while all restaurants and eateries must observe the “take-out” policy. All public and private infrastructure projects are also suspended from March 17 to April 14 with establishments not providing basic necessities ordered closed.”
In Benguet capital town, parents and guardians are directed to ensure children will be at their respective homes.
The LGU may provide transportation for those working in health facilities.
Agricultural farm supply stores, banks, all restaurants and money transfer services will be allowed to open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while food delivery drivers are allowed provided the wearing of masks and observance of social distancing is observed.
Army Reservists and CCAT are likewise tasked to arrest violators of the order.