Photo by: (AFP/Ted ALJIBE)
The regional boundary of Region XII continues to be under lock down as Covid-19 cases have seen noticeable spike during the last few weeks. In a recent virtual meeting, the RIATF-EID XII-RTF on Covid 19 XII has unanimously approved the implementation of a “regional border lockdown for non-essential travels” to limit movements of the people in the region. The said border lockdown started on September 2 and will last until September 30.
Earlier, a resolution was pushed by the Joint Task Force to place two villages under localized lockdown. Purok Mainuswagon in Surallah, South Cotabato had been on a lockdown from August 28 up to September 8 and Purok 4B in Barangay Colon of Maasim, Sarangani Province from August 31 to September 13.
DILG XII Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III, RIATF XII Chairperson also confirmed the information released by DOH XII that there has been confirmed cases of local transmission in General Santos City, Polomolok and Koronadal City in South Cotabato and Isulan, Sultan Kudarat recently which was one of the reasons for the border closure.
She called on both local officials and residents to be more responsible and cooperative especially during this time when there is sudden increase in the number of transmissions.
Meanwhile, to ensure the alignment of localized lockdowns with the existing national guidelines, the Joint Task Force has required LGUs to post their respective declarations for massive information dissemination. This declaration must also be concurred by the RTF-RIATF COVID-19.
According to RD Leysa, this course of action will ensure awareness among the general populace; thereby minimizing the inconvenience to the public who might have to move from one LGU to another. “Through the local chief executives, we are also able to provide feedback about any concern relative to their lockdown implementation,” the Director clarified.
With the latest development about the reported and confirmed local transmission, Dir. Leysa renewed her appeal to all residents of Region XII to strictly observe the maximum health standards (wearing of face shields and face masks while in public, maintaining safe physical distance, frequent handwashing with soap or disinfectant.
She added that “we have been consistently advocating (all of these health standards) especially during the height of the quarantine period. We must not ignore the seriousness of this health threat. Non-essential travels should be avoided. It is much of a hassle but the inconvenience caused is nothing compared to the impact to the health of our people and community as a whole.”
