The modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) status of Iloilo province is likely to be extended beyond June 30.
Looking at the daily count of new COVID-19 cases, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said there is a low chance that the province’s community quarantine classification will be downgraded.
Based on data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Iloilo logged 3,117 new COVID-19 cases from June 1 to 23.
The figure was equivalent to a daily average of 136 infections.
As of June 30, the province has 11,122 COVID-19 cases, including 8,444 recoveries, 277 deaths and 2,401 active cases.
According to Defensor, the effects of the implementation of MECQ measures would not be felt even after a month, noting that the virus incubation period can last up to 21 days.
“Ang one month mo nga pagsirado indi mo pa ina dayun mabatyagan pagkatapos sang isa ka bulan because of the incubation period so may posibilidad nga sa katapusan sang bulan amo man gihapon ang aton sitwasyon kag basi mag-extend kita,” he explained.
The governor said he will wait the official announcement of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) regarding the province’s community quarantine status before making adjustments.
If MECQ status is extended, Defensor said he would ask the IATF to relax some restrictions.
“If ever matabo na we can make adjustment to that kay bal-an mo kay ti ginapa-ayunan naton ang aton economy,” he said.
“Tan-awon naton kon ano ang parti sang economy naton nga maka-sustiner kag kon ano ang puede naton pahalugan gamay,” Defensor added.
The governor stressed that the province-wide liquor ban, municipal quarantine, and the closure of tourism establishments will remain in effect.IMT
Photo of Iloilo Provincial Capitol by Ian Paul Cordero
