SOME areas or households within the 21 barangays of the Municipality of Oslob in southern Cebu have been placed on granular lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
The granular lockdown has been implemented since August 17 and it will be enforced for 14 to 21 days depending on the recommendation and assessment of the Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force (MIATF).
To be placed under lockdown, however, are areas or households with confirmed cases of Covid-19 to limit the movement of people living within the vicinity.
As of August 20, Oslob recorded 153 active Covid-19 cases. It has a total of 390 Covid-19 cases, with 219 recoveries and 18 deaths.
Oslob Mayor Jose Tumulak Jr., in his Executive Order 8, series of 2021 that was issued on August 16, said no one is allowed to enter or exit the residences where the lockdown is implemented.
"All residences, including their close contacts, should be on a strict home quarantine," he said.
Persons allowed to go out are only members of the MIATF, authorized municipal and barangay officials and personnel, contact tracing personnel, and workers of the Rural Health Unit, Department of Health, Philippine National Police, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, as well as those assigned in the provision and distribution of goods.
"Refrain from unnecessary travel until the granular lockdown is lifted," Tumulak told the residents.
All forms of transportation, both public and private, including the unauthorized movement of persons within the area under granular lockdown, are restricted.
But Tumulak assured the residents that the Municipal Government and the barangays will provide essential needs, such as food and medical supplies, should the need arises.
Commercial and business establishments in areas under granular lockdown are also not allowed to operate.
Tumulak directed the police, barangay and municipal officials, and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams to ensure that quarantine protocols are strictly implemented.
Residents were warned that any person who will violate the order and other health protocols will face appropriate charges or penalties.
Tumulak said there is a need to prevent the further spread of coronavirus in the entire municipality by ensuring all contacts of the confirmed Covid-19 cases are isolated and monitored for symptoms.
Oslob has been placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) with heightened restrictions since August 11.