This Week in Northern Luzon (August 7 to 13, 2021)

Batac City, Laoag City, and Pagudpud are placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until August 14 due to the surge of COVID cases. The mentioned areas record the highest number of active COVID-19 cases in the province: Batac has 3,378 active cases as of August 3; Laoag City has 1,024 active cases, and Pagudpud has 141 [1].

Due to the ECQ status, stricter health and safety protocols must be followed by all citizens. Since this classification is the toughest, only one member of every household is allowed to go out to buy essential goods. Police officers will be patrolling streets to apprehend violators. Checkpoints are also monitored to monitor the entry and exit of authorized persons [2]. Curfew hours will be from 9:00PM to 4:00AM.

A temporary entry ban or returning Ilocos Norte residents will also be effective until the ECQ is lifted [3].

Aside from Ilocos, Baguio City also strengthened its rules to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant through the Executive Order (EO) 89. Implemented last July 29, EO 89 highlights the importance of public safety by reminding residents about the standard health protocols. Tourists from areas under MECQ, MGCQ, AND GCQ will be prohibited from entering the city. Only authorized persons outside residence (APOR) will be allowed to travel in the town as long as they present proof of business [4].

Under the EO, the city will be under modified liquor bans, which means alcoholic beverages will not be allowed for sale and consumption from 10:00PM to 10:00AM. Unvaccinated seniors and those below 18 years old must present negative RT-PCR test results.

Public gatherings and recreational activities are allowed for outdoor areas only. Food establishments operating 24/7 shall only operate for take-out services only during the curfew hours. Lastly, residents are encouraged to avoid outdoor recreational activities and stay home to prevent spreading and contracting the virus.

The first cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Ilocos Norte have been detected, according to Governor Matthew Manotoc, last July 25, in a statement via social media. In addition to Delta, cases of Alpha and Beta variants were also detected. According to the Department of Health (DOH), at least 12 patients were infected with Alpha and Beta variants [5].

Visit Yoorekka Consumer Magazine for more guidelines in Metro Manila and COVID-19 updates.