COVID swell in province triggers border restrictions

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

A surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Iloilo province and the presence of Delta variant (B.1.617.2) cases pushed the Iloilo City Government to reinstate checkpoints along the boundaries of the city and Iloilo province starting today, August 24, 2021.

In a press release via Facebook, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the decision was reached in consultation with the city’s COVID team and members of the private sector in a meeting on Monday.

Only Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) and essential personnel will be allowed to enter the city.

The latest surge of COVID-19 cases in Iloilo province, as well as the presence of the COVID Delta variant (B.1.617.2) in the region were cited as reasons for the reinstatement of border controls.

Department of Health-Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-WV CHD) data as of August 22 indicated that the number of new COVID cases in Iloilo province had been rising, from 1,978 (July 9 to 22), to 2,095 (July 23 to August 5), to 2,724 (August 6 to 19).

The data also showed a bounce in new cases reported in Iloilo City from 1,235 (July 9 to 22), down to 1,039 (July 23 to August 5), then up to 1,093 (August 6 to 19).

As to the number of Delta variant cases, the city government logged a total of 15 cases, after 11 new cases were confirmed Monday.

The samples of these COVID patients were sent to the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) in Diliman, Quezon City on August 6.

La Paz, Mandurriao, and Molo districts have 3 cases each, while Jaro district has 2. All of these cases have recovered but the city government will subject them to swab testing again.

Based on DOH-WV CHD and Iloilo provincial government data, there are now 22 Delta variant cases in the province, with 16 new cases confirmed on Monday.

Treñas instructed barangays to strictly monitor compliance with minimum public health standards due to these recent developments.

As of this writing, there has been no confirmation yet from the city government as to whether quarantine passes will be required at the checkpoints although Treñas said he was “considering it.”