The regionwide lockdown may possibly be extended for another month.
The statement by Mayor Sara Duterte came in the wake of reports that two a couple tested positive for COVID-19, which was confirmed on Saturday, March 21.
She said the duration of the community quarantine will depend on the behavior of the people.
“It (region-wide lockdown) may last long up to two months. The doctors said the virus will be treated depending on the behaviour of the people if they will cooperate and follow the protocols set to protect them like staying at home, wear face masks when traveling, and observe social distancing to stop the spread of the disease. If not then, this may take long,” she said.
She said that people should disinfect themselves by regularly washing their hands with soap and water to prevent them from being infected. The health departments also encouraged people to wash their hands than just putting alcohol and hand sanitizers.
“If all people will follow what the doctor advised, then it will shorten the period of the quarantine since the germs have already prevented to infect people,” she said.
The mayor has also ordered the people to stay calm and follow the precautionary measures set to them.
Meanwhile, Duterte said an automatic lockdown will be implemented once it will be confirmed that the mode of transmission of the positive couple was due to community transmission, based on the advice of the infectious disease specialist team.
BY SAMANTHA BURGOS ON MARCH 24, 2020
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