OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)–City Mayor Sancho Fernando Oaminal has urged his constituents to do self-quarantine, implement self discipline and follow universal precautions against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19).
Oaminal also called on the public to heed the universal health advisories and to volunteer for a 14-day self-quarantine if exposed to areas with confirmed Covid-19 cases.
“We wanted to contain this because COVID-19 is highly contagious. That’s why we wanted the people to do self-quarantine, discipline themselves, obey and follow the universal precautions.”
Meanwhile, he has ordered the police to follow through individuals who will not follow the quarantine rule. He said, for those who defy the quarantine orders, the PNP shall bring and detain the person at the Isolation Center provided by the city.
Oaminal also cited certain proactive measures that business establishments can adopt such as provision of disinfectants and alcohol or sanitizers for their clients at the entrance of their establishments.
Oaminal reminded the public of the measures to prevent the spread of the virus like avoiding unnecessary travels and going out of the house for unnecessary purposes.
The mayor reiterated the call for social distancing and washing of hands regularly with soap and water to ensure no one gets infected with the disease.
“If you have a symptom, do not go directly to the hospital, call first the COVID hotline, so that personnel will respond to you directly in your homes,” the mayor said.
In light of Proclamation No. 922 declaring a state of public health emergency by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Ozamiz City is ramping its efforts up in preparation for a possible spread of COVID-19 in the city.
The mayor also asked the people not to panic and not to hoard goods.
“Please do not panic. Hoarding of food, alcohol and other grocery supplies is not a guarantee that you are protected from the COVID-19 disease,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the city government has created a COVID-19 inter-agency task forcento monitor the daily situation about COVID 19. All barangay officials are directed to ensure Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) and Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs) are promptly reported to the health office.
All gatherings are also prohibited until March 30, 2020.
Further, a curfew has been imposed starting March 14, 2020 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. All business establishments must be closed no later than 9 pm to give time for the employees to go home.
Oaminal also ordered classes in both public and private schools in Ozamiz City in all levels suspended effective March 14 to March 30, 2020.
Learners shall stay at home and avoid going to public places, but they can continue studying and learning at home while their classes are suspended.
All Ozamiznons are enjoined to report any untoward incident through the following emergency hotlines: Globe 09369183133, 09369183132/ Smart 09981743645, 09981743646. (SMRN/PIA10)
