THE municipality of Cateel in Davao de Oriental will be imposing intensified restrictions on the movements of its residents due to the sudden spike of Covid-19 cases.
In a statement, the municipal government said the intensified restriction will be imposed from 10 to 14 days.
Based on the recent data, the active Covid-19 cases in Cateel rose to 20 in just two days since November 21.
The Provincial Task Force on Covid-19 and Municipal Health Office of Cateel decided to install a "zoning containment" by mounting checkpoints in three entry and exit points, which will be manned by the Philippine National Police.
"Tungod niini misaka usab ang ihap sa mga close contact apil na ang suspects ug probable cases nga kinahanglan dayon ma-trace. Ang mga nag positibo gikan pa sa nagkalain-laing barangay -- hinungdan nga gikinahanglan na nga magplastar ug intensified restrictions pinaagi sa zoning containment," the municipal government said.
(This had also increased the number of close contacts, including the suspected and probable cases that needed to be traced. Those confirmed positive are scattered from different barangays, which is why there is a need to establish and intensify restrictions through a zoning containment.)
The local government said they will be limiting the entry and exit of people in the municipality, where only authorized people outside residents will only be allowed to go out for essential purposes. Exemptions will be made for medical and emergency purposes.
"Kini aron mapadali ang buhaton nga contact tracing ug maundang ang pagkuyanap sa Covid-19 sa munisipyo (This would fast-track our contact tracing, and would immediately end the spread of the Covid-19 within the municipality)," the Cateel government added.
The provincial government, meanwhile, advised the public to avoid traveling to the municipality for non-essential activities, especially leisure activities.
Cateel is well-known for its tourist attractions including the Aliwagwag waterfalls.
Based on the November 25 data of the Department of Health, Davao Oriental has a total of 420 cases, where 36 are still recovering, 379 already recovered, and five succumbed to the virus.