OCTA: Lockdowns slow down virus surge in Malabon, Navotas

MANILA, Philippines — The granular lockdowns in the cities of Malabon and Navotas helped slow down the surge in COVID-19 cases, according to professor Guido David of the OCTA Research Group.

In an interview with One News’ “Agenda” yesterday, Guido said the localized lockdowns in affected areas of Navotas and Malabon helped in preventing the spread of the disease.

Navotas and Malabon were identified as critical and high risk areas for COVID-19.

Guido expressed hope that the slowdown of the spread of the virus in the two cities would translate into a decrease in active cases in Metro Manila.

Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco said he hoped the localized lockdowns would continue to work, although he said he is not yet seeing a downward trend in infections.

As of March 14, there were 718 active cases in Navotas, up from 165 on Feb. 22.

In Malabon, Mayor Antolin Oreta III yesterday signed a supplemental ordinance to combat the spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.

The local government imposed a liquor ban and suspended the operations of resorts, gyms and internet cafes.

Violators will be fined up to P5,000.

As of Sunday, there were 652 active cases of COVID-19 in Malabon, up from 242 on Feb. 22.

Caloocan adopts 50% workforce

The Caloocan government adopted a 50-percent skeletal workforce at city hall to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Mayor Oscar Malapitan yesterday announced the reduction of workforce following a meeting with key officials on the rising COVID infections in the city.

As of Sunday, Caloocan had logged 648 active cases of COVID-19.

The local government awarded frontliners for their work in the fight against the pandemic.

Two posthumous commendations were given to the city’s fallen frontliners: Teddie Balisi, an ambulance driver for the disaster risk reduction and management office, and Caloocan City Medical Center maintenance and utility head Fidel Pascua Jr.