SIQUIJOR, June 30 (PIA) -- Governor Zaldy Villa said Siquijor has to continue its strict implementation of local health protocols which have been seen as one of the factors why the province remains COVID-free.
This is in response to the Regional Inter-agency Task Force (IATF-7) resolution “enjoining all local chief executives (LCEs) in Central Visayas region to allow entry of government officials and employees authorized to physically work in their respective local government units without subjecting them to a 14-day quarantine health measure.”
Villa sent a letter on behalf of the Provincial COVID-19 Task Force, stating the province's firm stand that all the returning Authorized Personnel Outside of Residence (APOR) have to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine except for the doctors, medical frontliners, and other APOR whose services are considered essential to the province.
“As much as the province would like to adhere to your guidelines, we also cater to the needs of the Siquijodnons, which is to protect them by observing and strictly implementing all the preventive measures against COVID-19,” Villa said in a letter to the RIATF-7.
One of the preventive measures the province strictly implements is the mandatory 14-day quarantine at the designated quarantine facilities of the incoming Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and APOR.
All the public health protocols since March this year up to the present have been followed and its strict implementation has been seen as one of the factors why the province remains free from COVID-19.
The Provincial Task Force is firm on its decision to subject all LSIs, OFWS, and APOR to the same prorotocols, he said.
He said the province task force will only give exemption to doctors, medical frontliners, and other APOR whose services are essential to the province.
They are exempted from undergoing the 14-day mandatory quarantine but they shall still undergo Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and should test negative before proceeding to work or appointment.
They should also refrain from associating closely with the locals for 14 days and observe other health protocols like wearing of face masks at all times.
They shall be monitored closely by the Integrated Provinchial Health Office (IPHO), the governor said.
“As chairman of the task force and Governor of this province, I do not have anything in mind but always the safety of the Siquijodnons,” he said as he asks for the RIATF's consideration.
“We are with you in the pursuit of normal life conditions within the “new normal” where our health and welfare remain our priority,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Task Force met on June 29 for the Public Hearing of the Proposed Ordinance entitled "An ordinance requiring all persons to wear face mask "at all times in public places within the province of Siquijor to abate the spread of COVID-19.”
During the public hearing, Villa said there should be no financial penalties in the imposition of the ordinance as the people are already suffering from the effects of the pandemic. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
0 Comments