Zambo records 16 new Covid cases as it preps for GCQ

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Sixteen prisoners earlier ordered released by court have been transferred to a Covid-19 quarantine area after test results found them positive for the novel coronavirus here as the local government prepares to transition from the strict enhanced community quarantine to a more relaxed general community quarantine.

The latest cases bring to 124 since March following the imposition of the strict enhanced quarantine in the country due to the pandemic. The local task force on infectious diseases headed by Mayor Beng Climaco said those found positive for the deadly respiratory disease have been taken to the Cabatangan quarantine area after the Zamboanga City Medical Center released the test results late Wednesday.

The 16 patients were part of the group of 60 prisoners freed from the local penitentiary now undergoing a two-week quarantine at a local hotel before they are allowed to be with their family as part of the health protocol. Zamboanga has more 100 cases of Covid-19 and over 700 suspected virus carriers and at least 100 related deaths. 

Climaco said the local government is now preparing new quarantine guidelines set by the national government. However, the wearing of face mask and physical distancing will strictly remain to prevent the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus or Covid-19. This was also echoed by Dr Dulce Amor Miravite, calling the practice implemented here since the start of the community quarantine in March the “new normal.”

The mayor said she was informed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Infectious Diseases of IATF to place Zamboanga City under GCQ based on the moderate number of Covid-19 cases here. Lorenzana also told Climaco that she can impose a lockdown in any areas in Zamboanga when there is risk of Covid-19 infection.

Climaco said residents must strictly follow quarantine guidelines, saying, the current curfew hours from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. will remain and that travel restrictions stay. “Under GCQ, it is not the time to let our guards down tene siempre quita curfew, imposition of quarantine passes will be implemented. Tene siempre maga restrictions del movimiento del travel del de atun maga vivientes,” the mayor said.

She said the City Planning and Development Office, the City Administrator’s Office and the Licensing Division have prepared quarantine guidelines to balance the priorities of the local government and the public safety.

“We are fully aware that we have to balance health and economy that is why the City Planning and Development Office under Engineer (Rodrigo) Sicat has already prepared our guidelines together with the City Administrator’s Office and our Licensing Division,” Climaco said.

She explained that no less than the IATF Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez said that “we cannot endure the ECQ for an extended period because of time and government resources are limited.”

Climaco also thanked all those who are supporting the efforts of the local government in combating Covid-19, especially the private sector. “With the help of the national government y tambien el de atun maga partners in the private sector, we are ramping up our (Covid-19) testing capabilities and we are heeding Secretary Galvez’s call to implement the T3 – Trace, Test and Treat,” she said.

She said the T3 is very important in combating the deadly virus. “We are also expediting the operation of the laboratory facilities as this is very important to control the spread of the virus,” she said.

Even Dr Tony Leachon, of the Manila Doctors Hospital, who was recently in Zamboanga with Galvez to inspect the Covid-19 testing facilities, said: “The only way to get out of ECQ or GCQ in the next few weeks leading to new normal life is to do massive testing - this is clearly the game changer.”

Leachon also praised Climaco for her leadership in battling the pandemic. “We are extremely impressed by the able leadership of City Mayor Isabelle Beng Climaco,” he said. 

Climaco also renewed her appeal to residents to follow quarantine guidelines and maintain cleanliness at all times. Under GCQ, the movement of people will still be guided by the quarantine pass. Public transport will resume based on 30% rationalized route and limited load as per order of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. Some establishments will be allowed to open, although regulated and quarantine control or check points shall remain in the barangays to regulate movement of people. (Zamboanga Post)

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