At least 22 villages in Catbalogan City in Samar were placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on Saturday due to rising cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In an executive order, Mayor Dexter Uy said the strict movement restriction in barangays 1 to 13, Mercedes, Canlapwas, Bunuanan, Guindapunan, Guinsorongan, Maulong, Muñoz, San Andres, San Pablo will be enforced until September 20.

These areas have the highest number of active Covid-19 cases in the city, he added.

Since the outbreak, Uy said 33 out of 57 villages have already recorded at least one Covid-19 case.

As of Thursday, the city has 306 active cases, 149 recoveries, and zero death, based on the monitoring of its health office.

“These communities are within the critical zone based on the zoning containment strategy of the city. This is necessary while contact tracing is ongoing to limit the movement of individuals and prevent further spread of the,” Uy said.

As directed, strict home quarantine must be observed in all households except for availing essential goods and services.

The city government will enforce the 24/7 curfew and liquor ban in these areas and prohibit all social and religious gatherings, including outdoor exercise.

Uy said they will also monitor establishments to ensure full compliance with health protocols such as availability of handwashing area and footbath at entrances, use of thermal scanners, installation of physical barriers, and appropriate markings to encourage safe physical distancing, and digital quarantine pass scanner.

“Stores are also encouraged to adopt cashless transactions,” he added.

Meanwhile, all villages outside the critical zone were placed under general community quarantine. (PNA)