Koronadal gov’t prepares to end ECQ
The City Government of Koronadal is now preparing to possibly end the Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ) this coming April 30. As part of the preparations, the Technical Working Group (TWG) calls for a meeting attended by the Department of Health (DOH) Region XII representative Cyndi Doregios-Estrabon to tackle the possible actions to be taken.
During the meeting, the TWG members discussed the possible worst-case scenario to include the possible increase of incidence of coronavirus (COVID-19) suspected cases due to the expected influx of the people coming to the city specifically those residents who have been locked down from other parts of the country. Looking at the possibility, the city is now starting in setting up a community quarantine and isolation facilities which were long before planned by the local government. Meanwhile, testing kits to be used for possible COVID-19 suspect cases have also been discussed. Aside from this, the lgu is also pushing the 27 barangays to put-up their isolation tent or area by the cluster. Every three (3) barangays, must have the capacity to cater at least 81 suspected covid cases.
Meanwhile, the TWG is also considering finding affordable accommodations that can be turned into isolation facilities. Although the agreement has not yet been finalized, they said the city government would save money by renting compared to doing construction to address a temporary crisis that would not require a concrete and permanent facility for long term use. Further, the TWG has also made sure that any accommodation the city can rent is still based on the DOH qualification guidelines.
On the other hand, the TWG made clear that if the ECQ and lockdown will be lifted, residents of areas with declared local transmission are not allowed to enter the city. However, if the incoming resident is from the city, the local government will have to take appropriate action because they ought to be accommodated. In addition, the government will also set appropriate guidelines for the public on what to do to prevent the possibility of having a covid case again.
Furthermore, the priority of such isolation facilities is those covid suspect individuals who belong to the marginalized sector and middle-class family.
Meanwhile, City Mayor Eliordo Ogena is expected to issue an official statement regarding the status of ECQ.