Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is “considering” imposing a “lockdown” on Iloilo City to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“With the increasing number of PUIs we have in the city, we need to act fast. When it comes to emergency situations like this, speed comes perfection,” Treñas said.

“And we need to move fast so we can stop the virus, and be able to save lives,” he added.

During the proposed city-wide lockdown, the mayor said, only “essential establishments” will remain open “so that Ilonggos can still buy their daily needs”

“I am meeting with the supermarkets and pharmarcies and they have assured the ongoing supply of goods,” he said.

“For the barangays, we are already preparing your barangay day care so we can provide mobile kitchens. There is no need to panic,” he further said.

Treñas stressed that the lockdown of the city “is not yet final.” “We need to have this approved.”

There are 980 persons under monitoring (PUMs) and 27 patients under investigation (PUIs) for (COVID-19) in the city as of 10 p.m. today, March 18.

Last week, the mayor issued an executive order imposing a suspension and prohibition of non-essential entry of persons travelling by sea within the city of Iloilo.IMT

Photo of Treñas by Arnold Almacen