BY MARCHEL P. ESPINA
The city government of Bago has downgraded the status of several areas after they were declared as critical zones due to the rising coronavirus cases.
The Bago City Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases, in a resolution, downgraded the status of Barangay Ma-ao, and puroks Astro Montara, Violeta 1, Violeta 2, Crossing La Carlota Kawilhan, and Barangay Site, all of Barangay Don Jorge L. Araneta, to modified enhanced community quarantine starting yesterday until September 30.
These areas were placed under ECQ from September 8 to 22 due to large scale community transmission.
Under the MECQ, residents in these areas should observe strict home quarantine, and persons below 21 years old, those 60 years old and above, with immunodeficiency, co-morbidities, and pregnant women should also stay home.
Only establishments providing basic necessities and are engaged in activities related to food or non-food essentials and medical supplies shall continue to operate, as well as essential businesses and industries.
Public transportation is still suspended except when these vehicles are used for emergency purposes or for personal use. Delivery of all essential cargoes into the affected areas shall remain unhampered, while the Bago City Police Station is ordered to maintain and secure the border control at the entry points of the affected areas. As of September 21, Bago had recorded 223 confirmed cases, 133 recoveries, and five deaths.*