The Palawan Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) plans to put into lockdown the southern Palawan following the recorded case of the new coronavirus strain infection in Sabah, Malaysia.
Disaster Risk Reduction chief Jeremias Alili said it is the directive of Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez to utilize all the resources available and tighten borders in the southern part of the province to avert possible entry of the new coronavirus strain in the province.
“May instruction na rin sa atin ang ating mahal na Gobernador na ibuhos lahat ng resources na available natin para i-contain ‘yong borders sa Southern part ng Palawan dahil ayaw natin na itong bagong strain ng COVID-19 ay pumasok sa atin” said DRR chief Jeremias Alili in a statement.
He said the Provincial IATF is set to conduct series of meetings with the DILG to closely coordinate with the local chief executives in the Southern Palawan for possible lockdown recommendation. He clarifies however that in case of the lockdown only individuals emanating from other provinces will be restricted especially those who will come from the Sulu Sea and Malaysia. Essential travel such as those who carry goods and other products will still be allowed provided that they follow safety procedures.
“Meron akong naka-set na series of meeting para i-lock down ang Southern Palawan from other neighboring islands, maging ‘yan ay nanggaling sa bandang Sulu Sea o nanggaling sa Malaysian Island, pag-uusapan po namin yan” Alili added.
Alili said he also seek help of the barangay chairmen in the coastal barangays in the southern Palawan to advise local fishermen to avoid close contact with foreign fishers.
Palawan has recorded a total of three-hundred eighty five (385) confirmed cases of COVID-19, three (3) total deaths and seven (7) active cases as of writing.
Medical experts confirm the new COVID-19 strain recently which they believe is more serious than the old strain.