The decision to lock down four zones (puroks) in two separate barangays is difficult but necessary.
Mayor Sara Duterte, in an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio yesterday, said the areas are densely populated, so the risk of widespread contamination is very high.
“There will be a massive transmission if not prevented. The more the population, the faster the transmission,” she said.
She said the city government will provide for the needs of the residents so that they would not be tempted to go out. Their food rations will be delivered to their houses. They can also contact the government hotline for concerns and complaints.
For now, all the food and medicine passes within the isolated zones are canceled. Also, stricter protocols will be enforced in the interest of public safety.
Meanwhile, two more barangays in the city are also initiating a lockdown within their own zones. The village chief of Barangay Daliao in Toril, for instance, has requested to isolate one purok due to a confirmed COVID-19 case.
“A barangay captain has asked if they can implement a lockdown in one of their puroks. I said yes to protect other puroks from being contaminated,” she said.
She also said that random testing was conducted by doctors in Barangay Leon Garcia to determine community transmission. Purok Sto. Niño in Barangay Leon Garcia has also been eyed for a lockdown.
“Everyone must avoid these places. We have to make sure that the transmission will be prevented from further spreading. All are required to follow what was ordered for us to be successful in fighting this pandemic,” she said.
