Zambo reports spike in Covid-19 cases

ZAMBOANGA CITY reported a surge in Covid-19 cases, citing reports from health authorities blaming community transmission to the spike of the deadly respiratory disease.

Mayor Beng Climaco

The national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases or IATF-EID (IATF-EID) placed Zamboanga under Moderate General Community Transmission.

President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the IATF-EID in placing Zamboanga and the rest of the country under MGCQ in an effort to revive the economy devastated by the pandemic.

While the local government continues to control the spread of Covid-19 with active cases at more than 800, the Zamboanga Task Force against Covid-19 headed by Mayor Beng Climaco said there is also steady surge in the number of patients recovering from the respiratory disease with more than 1,500 on record and over 100 fatalities. 

Climaco said community transmission or the spread of the virus from person to person is the main cause of spike in Covid-19 cases due to residents’ disregard of the health protocols. And Zamboanga being the hub of travellers from Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces.

She reminded residents to wear a face mask or face shield when in public places and observe physical distancing to avoid Covid-19 infection. “Also wash hands with soap and water, or sanitize them and avoid holding your eyes, mouth and ears. Please follow our quarantine guidelines,” she said.

The mayor said the local Task Force against Covid-19 is mulling stricter measures to fight coronavirus disease and among these are longer curfew hours, suspension of public and social gatherings and for the police to run after quarantine violators. 

“Nonetheless, we appeal to residents to strictly adhere to health and safety protocols to avoid sanctions. Protect yourself the best way you can. Stay home, if possible, but if you need to go out, then wear your face mask properly, wash your hands often with soap and water, or with alcohol, and stay at least one meter apart from others.”

“These are simple steps but they are very important because they protect you, your family, our community, and our city. If everyone is taking care, we can beat Covid together. Masquin quien, masquin donde, masquin cuando, tiene cuidao. Amping. Kamaya,” she said. 

City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite also echoed Climaco’s repeated appeals.

“With the sustained increase in Covid-19 cases, our health system in the city is challenged. “We urge everyone to take personal responsibility and do your part in managing this crisis,” Miravite said.

Despite the efforts of the local government in battling the spread of the virus, political trolls continue to attack Climaco and blaming her for the spike in Covid-19 cases. (Zamboanga Post)

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