14 Pasay barangays named ‘critical areas’

MANILA, Philippines — The Pasay City government has declared 14 barangays as “critical areas” for two weeks following a spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The movement of people and goods in Barangays 14, 34, 37, 42, 46, 106, 144, 169, 171, 183, 184, 190, 193 and 201 was restricted on July 8, according to a memorandum signed on the same day by city administrator Dennis Acorda. The memorandum was released to the media yesterday.

The “critical area” status – the city’s public information office said it was not a lockdown – would be in effect until July 22.

The city health office said Barangay 14 recorded 15 cases, followed by Barangay 34 with 11 cases; Barangay 37, 19 cases; Barangay 42, 12 cases; Barangays 46 and 106, 11 cases each; Barangay 144, 37 cases; Barangay 169, 21 cases; Barangay 171, 10 cases; Barangay 183, 32 cases; Barangay 184, 16 cases; Barangay 190, 15 cases; Barangay 193, 33 cases and Barangay 201, 16 cases.

In a statement yesterday, Mayor Emi Rubiano said the decision was made after Acorda met with the city’s health office, police force, public order and safety unit and concerned barangay officials.

Rubiano said people should “continue wearing face masks, avoid crowded places, avoid close-contact settings such as close-range conversations, avoid confined and closed spaces with poor ventilation and frequently wash their hands.”

Mass gatherings are still not allowed in the city, the mayor said.

She also reminded business establishments to ensure that their customers wear face masks and that security personnel check customers’ physical distancing while they line up to buy goods or services.

Pasay has recorded 1,129 confirmed cases as of July 9, with 563 recoveries and 44 deaths. The city also recorded 276 probable and 34 suspect cases.