“Don’t drop your guard,” said DILG XII Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III to local government units as the region recorded one new COVID-19 positive case a day before transitioning into MGCQ. Additional three confirmed cases were recorded, two days after the region shifted under Modified General Community Quarantine on May 16. 

In a statement last Monday, March 18, Leysa urged LGUs to maintain the strict implementation of border restrictions in the region and reduce public movement to limit the spread of the virus.

She urged the public to remain cautious and to follow the minimum health standards set by the government which include wearing of face mask, hand washing, and physical/social distancing when in public places. They are also advised to refrain from going out of their homes except for purchasing essential goods. 

Government workers, especially from the Department, should expect adjustment in work schedules depending on the progress of COVID reports and overall health and risk assessment of the region, Leysa said. 

Meanwhile, latest figures (as of May 20, 2020) show that there are six confirmed COVID-19 positive cases that were recorded by the Department of Heath XII. The recorded incidents prompted local officials to be on alert, ordering lockdowns on the affected communities.

In a related development, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has issued an Executive Order placing the entire town of Polomolok, South Cotabato under modified enhanced community quarantine for seven days starting May 20. The said EO had been presented to the RIATF for concurrence.