Photo taken from Tuguegarao City Information Office.
Tuguegarao City in Cagayan extended its enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) protocol until February 3.
Originally, the 10-day ECQ previously enforced was set to be lifted on January 29.
However, Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson Soriano said local authorities decided to extend this for five more days.
“Kahapon ay pinalawig ni Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson Soriano ng karagdagang limang (5) araw ang pagsasailalim ng ECQ sa siyudad matapos magpaso ang implementasyon mula Enero 19 hanggang 29 ng taon,” the Cagayan Provincial Information Office announced in a Facebook post on Saturday.
The ECQ was extended after an increase in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) was reported.
Currently, there are 331 active Covid-19 cases in Tuguegarao City, representing 74% of the total cases in the province. 159 of the said cases are under home quarantine, according to the Cagayan PIO
“Pumalo pa lalo sa 331 ang aktibong kaso ng Covid-19 sa Tuguegarao sa kabila na sumailalim ito sa 10-araw nq Enhanced Community Quarantine o ECQ,” it said.
On Friday, Cagayan posted a total of 448 Covid-19 cases.
The Provincial Health Office explained that the majority of the Covid-19 infections in Tuguegarao City are due to community transmission.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Carlos Cortina added that with community transmission, more people could possibly acquire Covid-19 without symptoms, so they cannot be detected.
Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba has already ordered the implementation of strict travel restrictions on those planning to enter Tuguegarao City.
Essential workers are the only people allowed to enter the city, but still following the strict health protocols implemented in the city. Ronald dela Cruz