Governor Douglas Cagas announced that he will be issuing another executive order today, strengthening the provincial policies on the precautionary measures against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In a press conference this morning at the provincial capitol in Digos City, the governor and Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief Dr. Jonna Masongsong specified the provisions to be stipulated in the order.
The guidelines will include, among others, the temporary closure of cockpit arenas and suspension of religious activities until the state of public health emergency will be lifted.
Cagas disclosed that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will pass an ordinance imposing a curfew in the entire province, starting today from 8:00pm to 5:00am of the following day. The curfew covers internet shops and bars.
The governor also emphasized that social distancing must strictly and strongly be observed. “It has to start with you,” he urged the media.
Masongsong cited another provision on the suspension or postponement of public or mass gatherings in barangays and municipalities and city, which draw large number of people like as barangay fiestas, assemblies, reunions, trade fairs, as well as baptism and weddings.
She said in-house dining in restaurants and fast food chains will be allowed, provided that social distancing will strictly be implemented.
“We are determined to fight back this virus. We have plans on what to do to defeat this virus,” Cagas stated, as he urged for the cooperation of the provincial and national government officials, city and municipal mayors, saying “Let’s cooperate. This order is legal, legitimate. I expect that the people will cooperate and obey.”
Masongsong also assured that they have prepared six isolation rooms at the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital specifically dedicated to handle patients under investigation (PUIs).
She told the media in the press conference which was aired over a Facebook live, that if there’s a need for patients to be admitted, the rooms are ready.
Cagas proposed offhand to add few more isolation rooms.
Masongsong reported that as of yesterday (March 15), a total of nine PUIs have been admitted at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), and that there have been 172 persons under monitoring (PUM) from across the province.
She said that the first reported PUIs and the new cases have tested negative of COVID-19.
She disclosed the following reports on COVID-19 situation in the province: Bansalan – six PUIs, 17 PUMs; Digos City – two PUIs, 23 PUMs; Hagonoy – seven PUMs; Kiblawan – two PUMs; Magsaysay – seven PUMs; Malalag – 11 PUMs; Matanao – one PUI, 12 PUMs; Padada – 40 PUMs; Sta. Cruz – 25 PUMs; and Sulop – 28 PUMs. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)