DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A barangay in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro province has been placed under localized Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) starting August 2 after a suspected case of local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed.
Barangay Mainit was placed under ECQ, but Nabunturan Mayor Chelita Amatong did not declare when the ECQ will be lifted. “The order be lifted or withdrawn if the circumstances so warrant.”
The Nabunturan local government unit confirmed on social media that a 59-year-old resident of the said barangay, who works as a miner in Masara in the town of Maco, initially tested positive for COVID-19 in a rapid test initiated by its company.
The person and a child living with him were admitted to a temporary treatment and monitoring facility in Nabunturan.
Swab samples were taken from the two for RT-PCR test in Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) last July 28, and the father tested positive while the child tested negative.
Medical workers in Nabunturan are still verifying where the miner had possibly acquired the disease since he has no travel history in places where there is local transmission of the disease.
“It can be recalled that there is no positive case in Barangay Mainit prior to the 10th patient we have recorded. This is the first case in that barangay,” the Nabunturan LGU said.
Under the ECQ, a localized curfew is implemented in Barangay Mainit from 6:00pm to 6:00am, as well as a 24-hour liquor ban.
Residents of the barangay are only allowed to leave the barangay to buy basic household necessities not available in the barangay, and for health emergencies or medical appointments.
Also allowed are residents who will report to work outside the barangay.
Based on the case bulletin from the Department of Health Davao Region as of August 2, Davao de Oro province has a total of 105 confirmed cases, 71 of which are active cases. The province also has 33 total recoveries and 1 death.
Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the entire Davao Region remains under Modified General Community Quarantine until August 15. (davaotoday.com)
