In line with Resolution No. 11 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Quezon City is now placed under community quarantine. The city has recorded a total of six confirmed COVID-19 cases as of writing, and the local government unit is monitoring people under investigation to prevent widespread infection.

On Mar. 13, Mayor Joy Belmonte outlined the city’s quarantine measures against COVID-19. These measures will be taking place during the city’s 30-day quarantine, as prescribed by the national government:

Travel suspension

As much as possible, residents are advised to stay at home. Barangay officials and the police force will be monitoring community spaces such as malls or computer shops. Companies in the private sector are advised to consider flexible work arrangements.

The resolution cites that a travel suspension to and from Metro Manila will be enacted, with land and domestic sea and air travel shut down. This restriction, however, has yet to be finalized with official statements and documents from the necessary departments.

Regular sanitation

A citywide disinfection of Quezon City is currently underway. The Department of Education Division of Quezon City, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Fire District are spearheading daily disinfection efforts for schools and nearby vicinities.

The city’s Health Department is conducting regular disinfections of the city’s health centers, and a disinfection of the City Hall compound will be conducted by the General Services Department on Mar. 14 and 15.

Avoid hoarding

Retail and commercial establishments are advised to ensure that supplies will be made accessible, and for residents not to panic buy. Belmonte stresses that food and commodities will be available to people. The city will also be providing medicines, masks and sanitizers to informal settlers in the city.

Availability of 24/7 hotlines

To ensure a prompt response to any possible cases, Quezon City’s Hotline 122 and other government hotlines will be operational 24/7. The government also put together the Basic Health and Emergency Response Team, which is composed of barangay officials, health workers and other frontliners ready to respond to the city’s immediate needs.

Four-day work week for LGUs

In order to protect their employees, the City Hall will be implementing a four-day work week. Belmonte notes that their city executives and council members are coming up with relevant policies to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the city.

In order to intensify the government’s data gathering measures, Belmonte urged residents who have come into close contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 to come forward. The Quezon City government is also coordinating with health institutions to prepare isolation areas.

Header photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons