Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has warned that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown or enhanced community quarantine may remain in place for a longer period if people continue to defy orders.

In a press conference on Monday, March 30, Treñas said the city government needs the public’s cooperation to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Ang aton nga enhanced community quarantine para lang ni sa isa ka bulan (until April 14, 2020). Kon magsigi kita ka pinasaway, madugayan pa ni. Kita man tanan guihapon ang mabudlayan,” the mayor stressed.

Treñas urged everyone to follow the guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH) and adhere to the measures imposed by the city government.

Nagapangabay ako sa tanan nga tani indi na kita sagad violate sang curfew.” he said.

Ang curfew kag ang social distancing para ni sa kaayuhan sang tanan. Kon indi kita magsunod basi madugangan pa ang aton pasiyente,” Treñas explained.

The mayor ordered the strict implementation of social distancing and the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. city-wide curfew as part of efforts against the dreaded disease.

Based on data from the Regional Operations Management Division of the Police Regional Office (PRO-6), a total of 148 persons were apprehended in the city for violation of curfew hours from March 22 to March 26.

As of March 30, the City Health Office recorded 2 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (including 1 death), 53 patients under investigation (PUIs) and 542 persons under monitoring (PUMs) for the disease.IMT

Photo of Treñas by Arnold Almacen