PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur–The local Inter-Agency Task Force for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has declared 10 of this city’s 54 barangays as critical zones after 25 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded on Monday.

The spike of new cases of Covid-19 has prompted Mayor Samuel Co to issue an executive order imposing a 14-day localized Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the 10 identified critical zones.

Co’s ECQ directive is effective from Tuesday noon until noon on October 27.

Dr. Noel Ceniza, the local IATF chairperson, said Tuesday that the 25 new cases include four referrals from the towns of Dumalinao, Labangan, and Margosatubig, this province, and Misamis Oriental.

Ceniza identified the villages placed under localized ECQ as Barangays San Francisco, Tuburan, San Jose, Tiguma, Santiago, San Pedro, Kawit, Lenienza, Bogo, and Kagawasan, which registered 21 new cases.   

Ceniza said that most of the new cases were acquired through community transmission.

He said the other areas of the city will remain under Modified General Community Quarantine.

Co’s executive order also reminds the residents to strictly comply with the health protocols such as the wearing of face mask and face shields while in public places and onboard transportation. (PNA)