IATF PLACES APAYAO UNDER MECQ

THE province of Apayao has been placed under the more restrictive modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) for 14 days starting May 10 as coronavirus infections continue to threaten lives and livelihood in the area.

“As per recommendation of the national Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the province of Apayao shall be placed under MECQ from May 10-23, 2021,” read a statement posted in the official Facebook page of the provincial government on Sunday.

While health authorities are working double time to facilitate contact tracing and testing to prevent the further spread of Covid-19, residents were encouraged to stay home, observe social distancing, wear masks and maintain proper hygiene.

Quarantine measures under MECQ include stricter border control, suspension of public transportation except tricycles, closure of nonessential establishments, 50-percent workforce for businesses that are allowed to open and encouraging work-from-home schemes for workers.

Traveling in and out of the province will be highly regulated and only authorized persons will be allowed outside their residences subject to health and safety protocols.

As of May 8, Apayao had 982 confirmed cases, 60 of which are active.