LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Provincial Covid Inter-Agency Task Force is mulling the imposition of a province-wide lockdown to protect the province from the dreaded corona virus 2019.
In a meeting of the task force on March 23, the idea for a total lockdown was proposed following the Department of Health’s confirmation of the Covid-19 cases in Baguio City.
Considering the proximity of Baguio City to Benguet municipalities, the group fears the spread of the disease in the province.
The task force said hospitals in the province lack facilities and human resources in the event a case occurs.
While there is a pool of medical doctors who committed to attend to the Covid-19 patients, Gov. Melchor Diclas said the Benguet General Hospital for instance, lack doctors who specialize in infectious diseases and well as lack of respirators and personal protective equipment.
“We cannot afford in case there will be an increase in the number of patients. That is why prevention is better than cure,” said Diclas, who is a doctor by profession.
Pending the crafting of guidelines on lockdown, the provincial government continues to implement the enhanced community quarantine that has been imposed in Luzon since March 17 to curb the spread of the virus.
On concerns about the implementation of the ECQ particularly on checkpoints, curfew, and restricted public transport and human movement, Diclas said the quarantine is meant to ensure that public health is not compromised.
He reiterated his appeal for the people of Benguet to stay in their homes, observe proper hygiene, and maintain social distancing. – Susan C. Aro
April 26, 2024
