By Fernan Angeles
STARTING Monday, Sept. 7, the province of Lanao del Sur will be placed under strict modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ),
Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. said national government COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr., has already approved the provincial government’s request that would place stricter MECQ take effect for the entire province until September 30.
The governor said the number of COVID-19 cases in the province has been increasing ever since locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and overseas Filipinos returned via the Hatid Probinsya Program.
“Noong first week of August, nag-request na tayo ng from MGCQ to MECQ. Kaya ngayon, pinayagan naman ni Secretary Galvez na implement na ‘yong MECQ while inaantay iyong official communication from the National IATF,” Adiong said.
“Kaya medyo mababawasan lang ‘yong LSI na dumarating sa Lanao del Sur and Marawi City. Makakapahinga na rin ‘yong mga frontliners natin,” he said.
As of Friday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lanao del Norte reached 370. Of this number, 114 are active cases; 243 recovered; and 13 died.
According to the Lanao del Sur Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force, in August, 167 confirmed COVID-19 cases were recorded. Of this number, 119 were due to local transmission.
In September, there were 11 new cases recorded as of Friday, and all are considered local transmission.
Adiong reminded residents to follow health protocols such as washing of hands, wearing of face masks and face shields, and avoiding crowded areas.