STARTING April 18, the Municipal Government of Magalang will enforce strict quarantine rules to prevent disobedient residents from loitering around the town.
The local government unit (LGU) issued new home quarantine pass which will be used by the people only when buying food and medicines.
"Simula sa Abril 18, 2020, ipapatupad na po sa buong Magalang ang bagong home quarantine pass (HQP) na siya na lamang pong gagamitin para makalabas upang bumili ng pagkain at gamot, the LGU and the town police stated in a joint announcement.
The LGU implemented these new measures after local officials, led by Mayor Romy Pecson, observed that many residents violate the lockdown rules enforced by the government to prevent the spread of Covid 19.
The new home quarantine passes are non-transferrable and will bear the photos of the bearers.
Pass holders who allowed other people to use their respective home quarantine passes will be penalized, the local police said.
"Sino man ang mahuli na nagpahiram ng HQP o gumagamit ng HQP na hindi sa kaniya ay kukumpiskahin at hindi na muling mabibigyan ng panibagong HQP," the local government said.
The local officials also directed their constituents to wear face masks and other protective gears when going outside of their residence. "Bawal din pong lumabas ng bahay ng walang suot na face mask."
Disobedient residents will be apprehended and charged in court, according to the local police.
The town remained free from Covid-19 as of Thursday, April 16. The Municipal Health Office, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), recorded 79 probable cases and 12 suspected persons.