33 Pasay barangays under lockdown

MANILA, Philippines — The Pasay City government placed 33 barangays under a two-week lockdown starting yesterday following a surge in COVID-19 cases.

In a statement, the city governmetn said the increase in COVID-19 cases was “unseen during the past several months.”

Data from the city’s epidemiology and surveillance unit showed that as of Feb. 19, the city recorded 280 active cases in Barangays 28, 29, 32, 40, 57, 58, 66, 68, 71, 76, 81, 95, 98, 100, 107, 109, 118, 122, 132, 135, 136, 143, 155, 156, 159, 162, 175, 177, 178, 183, 190, 192 and 201.

Barangay 183 has the most number of active cases at 29, followed by Barangay 118 with 16; Barangay 107, 10 cases; Barangays 57 and 177, nine cases each; Barangays 135 and 136, eight cases each; Barangays 66 and 71, seven cases each; Barangays 76 and 175, six cases each; Barangays 32, 40, 68, 81, 155 and 201 with five each; and Barangays 95, 100, 132, 143 and 159 with four each.

The other barangays each recorded three active cases.

City administrator Dennis Acorda said that Mayor Emi Rubiano ordered the lockdown of barangays with three or more cases.

A business establishment was also locked down for two weeks starting Friday, Acorda said.

Teams from the city police, barangay officials, city environment and natural resources offices, city tricycle-pedicab franchising and regulatory office and city traffic and parking management office will issue citations to quarantine violators.

The city’s business permits and licensing office will also inspect establishments to see if they are complying with government quarantine protocols.

Public market personnel will also be deputized to inspect stalls and enforce health protocols.

The lockdown came amid talks about the loosening of the general community quarantine in Metro Manila.

The decision to place the region under the more relaxed modified general community quarantine is expected to come soon.