Local execs’ EOs basis for govt offices to lockdown, Agabe says

INTERIOR and Local Government department (DILG)-10 on Friday said public offices have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and information on how to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) at the community level.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 regional director Arnel Agabe said the Zoning Containment Strategy (ZCS) will still be followed as implemented by a local government unit (LGU) through their executive orders.

“Even if it’s a government or public office mahitungod ang maong opisina naa sa sulod sa usa ka local government unit, as far as lockdown or focus containment, the issued EOs still to follow,” sa Agabe.

Agabe, during the Normin Covid-19 Response Task Force press conference yesterday (Sept 11), clarified that the Zoning Containment Strategy set by the National Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases have EOs issued by the local chief executives.

“Ang atong gasundon gihapon is the Zoning Containment Strategy nga gipagawas sa Nat’l IATF,” said Agabe.

Such offices are still in the jurisdiction of a local government unit, according to Agabe.

“ZCS is a decision of the local chief executive pursuant of the executive order that he or she released,” Agabe said.

As for health concerns, Department of Health (DOH)-10 Regional Director Dr. Adriano Suba-an said aside from the confirmed cases, the number of suspect cases in a public or government office will also determine the reasons for lockdown.

He added that DOH will provide technical assistance in determining the level of risk especially those who are exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case. Based on National Task Force Circular No. 2, lockdowns in a certain office will be observed for 14 days.

In the region, most of the government agencies schedule a once a week disinfection to adhere to the health safety protocols of DOH-10.

As of September 11, there are a total of 1,928 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Northern Mindanao, wherein 992 have recovered, 36 have expired, and 898 are recovering. (Recthie Tolinero/PIA10)