Barangay Sta. Lucia, Samal kagawad Norberto Buan uses megaphone to inform residents of MECQ protocols. Photo by Ernie Esconde
BALANGA CITY — Checkpoints were again alive in Bataan Wednesday as the province started to implement a stricter community quarantine than the modified general community quarantine it used to employ.
Bataan was back to modified enhanced community quarantine after the national Inter-Agency Task Force found a surge in cases of the coronavirus disease based on the day-to-day report of the provincial IATF and the provincial health office.
PHO chief and provincial IATF vice chair Dr. Rosanna Buccahan said the increase in cases of the coronavirus disease in the province was due to increased mobility of people within the province and those who are coming from other areas.
Traffic stalled in the road boundary of Balanga City and Pilar town where two separate checkpoints at the big Sta. Rosa bridge checked motorists entering the two areas.
In Barangay Santa Lucia in Samal town, barangay kagawad Norberto Buan used a public address system to inform residents of restrictions while the province is under MECQ from June 16 to June 30, 2021.
Buan urged villagers to follow the guidelines set by the provincial government under Gov. Albert Garcia and asked residents not to let children roam around.
Garcia, provincial IATF chair, said residents have to return staying at home while restrictions will be imposed on industries that will be permitted to operate.
“Hindi madali ang desisyong ito at naiintindihan ko ang epekto nito sa ating buhay at kabuhayan, ngunit kailangan nating sumunod upang hindi na dumami pa ang bilang ng nagkakasakit sa ating pamayanan,” the governor said.
He said that local governments can enforce stricter regulations in the implementation of guidelines set under MECQ based on the needs and situation in their locality.
Those not included under the authorized persons outside residence category will not be permitted to enter Bataan. Valid identification, QR code and medical certificate have to be presented in checkpoints by APOR coming to the province.
Industries not allowed to operate are tourist destinations, entertainment, kids’ amusement, libraries, archives, museums, cultural centers, gyms, fitness studios, sport facilities and personal care services.
Indoor dine-in in restaurants are not permitted although outdoor dining with 50 percent capacity of the place is allowed.
Religious gatherings with only 10 percent capacity of the place to be occupied are allowed.
Agencies of government can continue under the skeleton workforce or alternative work arrangements except those engaged in health services.
