The local Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has extended the Sunday lockdown due to the threat of the more transmissible Delta variant.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Tuesday the lockdown, supposed to be only until August 15, will remain in effect on August 22 and 29.

Salazar, who chairs the local IATF, said those going to places of worship and health, personnel of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) and security front-liners, and those involved in emergencies are the only ones allowed to go out.

“All others are advised to stay home to include children 17 years old and below,” she said.

Also allowed during Sundays are religious activities but shall be limited to 30 percent venue capacity while restaurants and food servers shall only accommodate food deliveries and take out and “strictly no dine-in.”

Public markets including talipapas and stores in barangays will be closed as well as no public transportation will be allowed to operate.

This city remains under general community quarantine (GCQ) until Aug. 31, as announced by the national Inter-Agency Task Force on the management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

Salazar said public and private beach resorts as well as river resorts including inland and mountain resorts and similar establishments will not be allowed to operate on August 21, 22, 28, and 29.

She said quarantine checkpoints shall continue and Barangay Sita Task Forces together with the police and other force multipliers are directed to continue strict enforcement of GCQ guidelines and minimum health standards.

She added that the “no swab test, no entry policy” for all inbound travelers including authorized persons outside residence remains to be the gold standard.

She added that an executive order formalizing these guidelines will be issued later.

“Let us help one another, let us support and cooperate in the implementation of Covid-19 protocols for our safety and protection against coronavirus,” Salazar said. (PNA)