PORTIONS of Barangay Balucuc in Apalit town, Pampanga have been put under granular lockdown due to the sudden increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the area.
Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr. said Sitio Pulong Fernando and Atbang Bana in the said area are under strict monitoring from August 31 to September 9.
"There are around 280 households in the area that will be included in this granular lockdown. Under this protocol, joint personnel of local police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and barangay will secure the area 24 hours for 10 days," he said.
Tetangco said the granular lockdown was imposed after the barangay logged a total of 41 new Covid-19 cases and eight mortalities in August.
"These are aside from the 33 close contacts who were subjected to antigen testing, and results turned out positive for 17 individuals. They are now scheduled for confirmatory RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) testing," the mayor said.
Tetangco is optimistic that the implementation of granular lockdown will help contain the spread of the virus in the community.
"We have been conducting granular lockdowns since the start of pandemic and we've really proven that it helps in curbing the spread of Covid-19 so we are asking for the understanding and cooperation of affected residents in Barangay Balucuc as we are just ensuring the safety of their community," he said.
Meanwhile, Tetangco said a mini-market will be established in the locked-down area to cater to the needs of affected residents, while the "pabili" system will also be made available for other necessities.
He said the local government is providing relief packs to the residents in this area to aid them during the lockdown period.
"We will provide all the assistance you need. Our barangay and local government employees will be there 24/7 to help you, but please help us too," he said.