Self-quarantine a must to INDVs coming to I. N.

*Gov. MMM issues EO No. 58-20 as preventive measure vs. spread of COVID-19

To ward off the entry of the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in this northern province, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc approved on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, Executive Order No. 58-20 to take effect immediately implementing a mandatory self-quarantine to all individuals (INDVs) coming to Ilocos Norte who traveled overseas as a preventive measure against the spread of the CoViD-19.

The EO says that any resident (of Ilocos Norte) who’s returning home via sea, air or land from a foreign country with a history of CoViD-19 infection shall be subjected to or has to undergo Mandatory Self-Quarantine for 14 days in accordance with the rules and protocols established by the Department of Health.

“We are reminding everyone who traveled from affected countries to do their part in isolating themselves for the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Also, we can’t stop domestic flights from coming in. We’ve learned that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are not part of the travel ban so we still have to look out for the safety of our province mates, and welcome them to a safer environment which I believe is here in Ilocos Norte,” Governor Manotoc said.

He further said: “In our airport, the temperature scanner is still being used. We are glad that the staff personnel of the Bureau of Quarantine under the Department of Health are there to monitor. We still have the 50 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by the DOH, and we are procuring additional equipment. Also, we are assured that the Philippine Red Cross has a contingency amount of 400 PPE only if needed.”

As added preventive measures, the Governor canceled different events in the province such as the TINMAN triathlon in Pagudpud, and the “Kinni-kinni” parade.

“We are also suggesting to the Department of Education (DepEd) to possibly delay graduation exercises, and (the LGUs) to hold off all fiestas as well. As much as we would like to grow our tourism sector, it is not the right time to welcome people and risk the health of our own residents. It’s too risky so let’s not convene large number for now,” the Governor stressed. – (Stewart C. Ocampo, PGIN-CMO)