Lazatin asks DOH, IATF for modified ECQ in AC

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Admin

ANGELES CITY – Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. urged the Department of Health (DOH) and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), to implement modified Enhanced Community Quarantine in Angeles City until May 31, 2020 to avoid surge of COVID-19 transmission.

In a letter addressed to DOH Secretary Francisco Duque and IATF Co-Chairperson Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles, Mayor Lazatin mentioned “the number of COVID-19 related cases in Angeles City is increasing and there is an upward trend in these numbers.”

To date, Mayor Lazatin added, there are 17 COVID-19 positive cases in the City, two of which were just detected last weekend.

He said that although the City Government procured testing kits for rapid antibody tests, the number is not enough.

As of May 5, 2020, 2,371 individuals already underwent rapid tests, where probable cases, persons with exposure, and City Hall frontline workers were prioritized.

Lazatin said the City Government is seeking to ramp up the conduct of rapid mass testing to contain the virus.

“I am in constant coordination with the Philippine Red Cross, Provincial Government of Pampanga, and Department of Health to extend the City’s capabilities and resources to widen the conduct of rapid mass testing,” he added.

Lazatin also mentioned the city has already drafted guidelines for the impending General Community Quarantine.

“However, we need more time to flesh out all the details and logistics to ensure its orderly implementation. We strictly ask that we be given more time to do so,” Lazatin said.

It can be recalled that Angeles City is still under assessment until May 14 by IATF whether it will be under GCQ after the ECQ is lifted.

-Leah Isidro De Fiesta