Isabela City placed under GCQ until October 31

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Isabela in Basilan was placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) starting yesterday until the end of the month.

Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman issued an executive order on the shift to GCQ from the more relaxed modified GCQ, citing an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Hataman said the city logged 64 active cases and 15 suspected infections as of Oct. 13. She also cited the surge in new cases in nearby Zamboanga City.

“Considering the proximity of Isabela City and Zamboanga City and the daily influx of persons coming to and from both cities, an increase in COVID cases in either one may result in the increase of cases on the other unless strict border control is implemented and travel of persons is limited,” the EO read.

Police, the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade and Basilan provincial government are helping the Isabela city government enforce stricter quarantine measures, including longer curfew hours and quarantine control points.

Meanwhile, travelers to Davao City are still required to present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test taken 72 hours upon arrival.

City tourism and operations office chief Generose Tecson said the test before travel policy is being implemented at the Francisco Bangoy and Davao International Airports.

Tecson said repatriated Filipinos are covered by the policy.

International passengers found infected after repeat testing will be isolated at a government-run facility.

Overseas Filipino workers are required to register with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for their hotel assignment.