The Taguig City government has started the door-to-door distribution of free medicines and anti-coronavirus (COVID-19) kits to thousands of elderly individuals and other residents with preexisting poor health conditions.
The kits contain goods that include soap, vitamin C supplements, face masks, and informational materials related the infectious disease.
Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano confirmed there are three new COVID-19 patients in Taguig, bringing the total number of cases in the city to four.
“All four cases in Taguig are in hospitals where they are isolated and being treated,” he said.
As of 6 p.m. Sunday, a total of 140 individuals were tested positive with COVID-19. Most of these cases are in the National Capital Region (NCR). Eleven deaths have also been confirmed in the country, seven of which are from the NCR.
Cayetano said Taguig continues to implement strict measures to curb the spread of the virus, adding that city government personnel have actively pursued contact tracing on all cases.
“All areas relevant to this contact tracing have been thoroughly disinfected and secured. The City is continuously working with all stakeholders to protect everyone,” he said.
Cayetano said members of the City Council already passed an ordinance to impose a city-wide curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., except for essential travel like going to and from work, addressing emergencies and buying basic supplies.
In a special session last Sunday, the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved and unanimously passed the curfew ordinance, and closure of mall and similar establishments during a one-month period.
All shopping malls in the city are now closed to limit movement and minimize congregation.
However, establishments that provide essential services like supermarkets and groceries, drugstores, banks and restaurants that provide takeout and delivery services should remain open.
Cayetano also urged all managers of offices, transport terminals and other establishments in the city to practice social distancing plan for spaces, adhering to the Department of Health guidelines of 1-meter distance for all customers and employees.
For elevators, lines and waiting areas, social distancing will be strictly enforced.
“All building managers are enjoined to strictly comply or temporarily close until they are able to comply,” said Cayetano.
City officials also met with major stakeholders of grocery stores who assured the local government that there will be sufficient supply of goods during the entire period of the community quarantine.
They asked the public to avoid overstocking essential items.
Taguig City also ordered the temporary closure of all barangay covered and basketball courts to prevent the spread of the virus in the community. Clubs and bars have closed voluntarily.
“We remind our citizens to stay home as much as possible and avoid unnecessary travel. The Local Government and National Government are working closely in an all-of-government approach to keep our City and Country safe. We appeal to everyone to cooperate and be vigilant,” said Cayetano.