VIGAN CITY, July 6 (PIA) – The provincial government of Ilocos Sur, through Executive Order No. 61, extended  the general community quarantine (GCQ) classification in this city until July 19.

GCQ refers to the implementation of temporary measures limiting movement and transportation, regulation of operating industries, and presence of uniformed personnel to enforce community quarantine protocols.

City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina called on everyone to intensify vigilance amidst the continued rise of cases in Vigan and other municipalities.

“We are optimistic of the future but we can never let our guard down, especially when our health and safety is at stake. Continue to be safe, Bigueño,” Medina said.

As of July 5, Vigan City has 68 active cases, 359 recoveries and eight fatalities.

In today’s advisory, the city government informs the public that there will be no onsite vaccination schedule on July 7 and it will only be limited to bedridden residents who will be vaccinated at home.

“If you have family or relatives who are bedridden and are not yet registered, you may call our Bakuna Hotlines: 0956-390-9069/0977-011-9550/0977-011-9559 or register at http://vigancity.gov.ph/register/. For those who are scheduled for tomorrow, please wait for our call  to update you on your new schedule,” it said.

Vaccination for A1, A2, A3 and A4 will resume on July 8 at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology.

Meanwhile, during the Laging Handa Network Briefing News on Tuesday, Opol, Misamis Oriental Mayor Maximino Seno said that their only problem in the vaccination rollout is the lack of vaccines.

“Our system is on a first come, first served basis, usually the first 500 because we usually get 500 vaccines per week,” said Mayor Seno.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson also issued Executive Order No. 64 placing the municipalities of San Emilio, Santa and Sta. Catalina  under GCQ  from July 4 to 18.

“Despite the interventions and implementation of measures, the threat of COVID-19 in the province remains very high and alarming as there are 3,404 recorded confirmed cases wherein 744 of them are active cases with extensive contacts and nine of which came from the municipality of San Emilio; seven are from Santa; and seven from Sta. Catalina as of July 3,” Governor Singson said.

The Provincial COVID-19 Task Force recommended the reclassification of the community quarantine status of these municipalities from modified general community quarantine to GCQ.

Singson said, “Using various indicators like case doubling time of the disease and other health indicators, economic and social security, there is a need to reclassify the present status of the municipalities in order to have more stringent quarantine restrictions,”

Other areas under GCQ are the city of Candon and the municipalities of Bantay, Salcedo, San Juan and Sta. Cruz (until July 12), Cabugao (until July 16), and Santo Domingo (until July 19). (JCR/AMB/PIA Ilocos Sur)