The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag is temporarily closed to the public from Sept. 5 to 19 but online masses will be conducted as the town reverted to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

In a text message on Monday, Manaoag police chief Maj. Herminio Olivares said bikers from other towns are also prohibited from entering here as mandated by the local Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

In a statement issued Sunday night, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) said market schedules will again be imposed starting Monday while only one person per household will be allowed to go out of their homes to get necessities for their family, except for authorized persons outside of the residence.

“Selling of liquor and videoke (karaoke) are not allowed during MECQ,” it added.

Mass gatherings, including religious gatherings, are prohibited while virtual religious services are allowed.

“Necrological services and funerals are limited to immediate family members only,” the MDRRMC stated.

The provincial Inter-Agency Task Force for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) said it has approved the request of Manaoag Mayor Mikael Amador with the recommendation of the municipal IATF to place the town under MECQ due to an unusual increase in Covid-19 cases.

“As of Sept. 1, there are 147 active cases in the town and exceeding the 25 percent critical zone threshold for detecting positive cases in 24 out of the 26 barangays,” the resolution stated.

To arrest the steady rise of Covid-19 cases and to alleviate the overcrowding of hospitals and treatment facilities, it added there is a need to impose a stricter community quarantine in the municipality. (PNA)