The city government here, through its health marshals and other village officials, are intensifying border control measures to prevent further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and keep the Delta variant out.

Rey Lyndon Lawas, the city executive consultant for security, said in an interview on Sunday that although their Covid-19 cases are manageable, they must continue their relentless patrols and strict implementation of health protocols.

As of Saturday, the city only has 47 active Covid-19 cases.

It is under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions for the entire August.

Among the restrictions being imposed, aside from the usual wearing of masks, are the ban on mass gatherings, limited seating capacity in restaurants, and prohibition on the sale of alcoholic beverages.

“Individuals aged 17 and below and 66 and above are prohibited from leaving their homes, unless for emergency reasons,” Lawas reiterated.

The health marshals include members of the City Health Office, Philippine National Police, Traffic Management Office, Special Enforcement Unit, Department of Trade and Industry, City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Administrator’s Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection.

Lawas, who also heads the Emergency Operations Center, said he has started discussions with local government units nearby such as Valencia, Bacong and Sibulan, to control their shared borders and the movement of people.

No Delta variant infections have been reported here or in the province of Negros Oriental but they are wary as neighboring Cebu province already confirmed cases of the hypertransmissible variant. (PNA)

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