An official in Bontoc, Mountain Province reminded his town mates anew to always observe the health and safety protocols even as the town eases its quarantine rules.

Bontoc Councilor Jerome Tudlong, who chairs the Committee on Health and Sanitation and the incident commander of the Covid-19 B.1.1.7 -UK (United Kingdom) variant, in a post on social media on Sunday, urged the public to always remember that while rules are loosened, strict observance of the safety protocols must be maintained.

On Feb. 8, the central barangays of Bontoc including Barangay Tocucan will revert back to General Community Quarantine, which means restrictions will be eased, and border checkpoints in Samoki, Amlosong and Caluttit will be removed. Public transportation will be allowed.

“We expect more people on the streets. It is in this regard that I am appealing to our kakailians (town mates) to always remember that this virus is still very much within our midst,” Tudlong said.

Several villages in Bontoc — Samoki, Poblacion, Bontoc Ili, Caluttit and Tocucan — were earlier placed under ECQ to avoid people’s movement after 12 residents were infected with the Covid-19 B.1.1.7 -UK (United Kingdom) variant.

The Provincial Health Office of Mountain Province reported 25 confirmed Covid-19 cases on Feb. 7.

The new cases came from the towns of Bontoc with 17, Bauko with three, Sadanga with two, and one case each from Besao, Sabangan, and Sagada.

There were also 42 recoveries reported — 25 from Sadanga, nine from Sagada, and eight from Bontoc.

Two deaths were reported in the province — an 81-year-old female from Poblacion, Bontoc; and a 64-year-old female from Demang, Sagada.

Mountain Province now has a total of 912 Covid-19 cases with 606 recoveries, 297 active cases, and nine recorded deaths. (PNA)