4 Quezon City areas under lockdown

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Quezon City government yesterday placed four areas under special concern lockdown following an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Placed under two-week lockdown are No. 62 Agno Extension in Barangay Tatalon; No. 1 Salary street in Barangay Sangandaan; No. 54 Interior, Magsalin street in Barangay Apolonio Samson, and 9C, 9D and 97 La Felonila street in Barangay Damayang Lagi.

“These granular lockdowns are our proactive response to avoid the transmission of the virus in these areas. Since last year, lockdowns have been proven effective in controlling the spread of the virus among neighbors and families,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

“We are working closely with the affected barangays to ensure that the quarantine period will be properly implemented and that the people’s needs will be provided,” Belmonte added.

The local government, through the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU), imposes lockdowns in areas where clustering of COVID-19 cases and possible community transmission have been observed.

Residents in areas under lockdowns are not allowed to leave their homes, with the city government providing food packs and other essentials.

The new lockdowns cover approximately 275 families, with the largest on La Felonila street with 150.

“All families in these areas will undergo swab tests to identify other infected individuals,” CESU head Rolly Cruz said.

Even if they tested negative for the virus, Cruz said they would still have to finish the 14-day mandatory quarantine to check if they will develop any COVID-19 symptoms during the period.