MAYOR Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar cautioned the public against gatherings of any sort amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), stressing that parties and celebrations are among the new sources of coronavirus transmission in Zamboanga City.
This was in light of reports that mass gatherings take place in private venues and in government offices in complete disregard of health protocols.
In one of the parties held recently, several guests were tested positive for the virus, while others are now considered Covid-19 suspects and are under quarantine.
As early as two weeks ago, Dr. Cathy Garcia of the City Health Office in a virtual presser stated that parties or celebrations are found to be the cause of recent Covid-19 cases in this city.
The City Health Office reported on Thursday, September 24, that Zamboanga City has a total of 1,640 Covid-19 cases. Of the total, 450 are active cases, 1,111 cases recovered with 79 deaths.
Salazar has directed the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the City Health Office to investigate recent activities to determine appropriate actions that may include temporary lockdown of buildings where the social gatherings took place.
To set an example, Salazar has disallowed department heads and other officials of the City Government to hold parties and gatherings to celebrate special occasions.
"We cannot let our guards down and we should not take the situation very lightly," the mayor said.
She expressed dismay that some people continue to take Covid-19 for granted and disregard minimum health protocols, thus contributing to the surge in cases of the virus in the community.
The CDRRMO and the City Health Office were also directed to come up with protocols on social gatherings and to continuously remind the public about the threat of Covid-19. (SunStar Zamboanga)