This Week in Boracay and Iloilo (July 5 to 11, 2020)

Alimodian, Iloilo was forced to implement enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) last June 30, 2020, after 13 of its residents tested positive for COVID-19 [1]. The new cases in the town are part of the total 33 new cases in the region, according to data released by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD 6) in Western Visayas. Among the confirmed cases are five health workers: a medical technologist, a nurse, and three midwives. According to Dr. Mary Jane Juanico, head of DOH-CHD 6’s Infectious Disease Section, all cases are asymptomatic and are now quarantined in a facility.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, a two-week suspension of trips for locally stranded individuals (LSIs) to Region 6 has been approved by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. The suspension took effect last June 28, 2020 at the main ports and seaports of Iloilo and Bacolod. The halt was enforced because the arriving LSIs are responsible for the spread of the virus in the region. The local government units asked for the suspension and are coming up with a better procedure to curb the spread [2].

The Iloilo City Government eased restrictions on the movement of senior citizens, allowing them to go to malls and even transact with banks. Those 60 years old and older, however, must observe physical distancing and wear face masks at all times. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas also added that this will be good for the physical and mental well-being of senior citizens [3].

The United States saw a surge of COVID-19 cases across the country and has rolled back on easing lockdown restrictions in 16 states. In parts of California and Texas, bars were forced to close, while the beaches in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach are now off-limits. Alcohol consumption in Florida is suspended in bars as well. Some states with low cases have also readjusted their plans on resuming operations for indoor dining [4].

Go to Yoorekka for more COVID-19 updates in Boracay and Iloilo.