Calinog closes borders amid COVID-19 outbreak

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

The town of Calinog in Iloilo province temporarily closed its borders to the neighboring town of Lambunao where a confirmed case of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) died Sunday.

Calinog Mayor Francisco Calvo issued Executive Order (EO) No. 029 on Monday ordering the temporary closure of all entry points in Calinog leading to Lambunao.

“All vehicles and pedestrians passing the route via Lambunao will be denied of entry to Calinog,” the order said.

According to Calvo, the order was issued to protect the town and the residents of Calinog from Covid-19.

“Ang purpose para maprotektahan namon ang banwa sang Calinog sa COVID-19. Agwantahun lang anay sang commuters kay kon indi ko dya pag-ipasar paano ko na lang protektahan akon banwa,” he appealed in a phone interview on Monday.

Under the order, anybody who intends to leave the town shall be allowed to do so but they cannot return.

Calvo said the order will be implemented by the village officials and tanods in Calinog.

Meanwhile, residents who will travel outside Calinog will have to secure enhanced community quarantine passes from the local government and will have to take the Passi City route, he added.

“Kon may travel kaw to Iloilo City, we encourage them nga indi lang anay mag-agi sa Lambunao. Pwede sila sa Passi City lang nga way para pagbalik na sa same route lang man maagi,” he said.

The order exempts healthcare workers, government officials and employees, peace and order officers, humanitarian and emergency services, and delivery of basic needs and facilities.

Meanwhile, caregivers of patients confined at Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Sr. Memorial District Hospital are also exempted provided that they present certification and undergo quarantine procedure before they are permitted to enter Calinog.