DILG-CAR appeals to LGUs for strict implementation of home quarantine

Based on the memorandum circular 2020-062 issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), all local government units (LGUs) in Luzon are asked to implement strict home quarantine.

“We appeal to the public to please stay at home. By simply doing this, we are helping our frontliners and the government to fight COVID-19. Strict home quarantine shall be enforced by our LGUs in all households within their jurisdiction,” said DILG-CAR Dir. Marlo Iringan.

As Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is being implemented throughout Luzon, many are confused on the issuance of quarantine passes or whatever equivalent terms LGUs have used. Dir. Iringan clarified that it is up to the barangay officials to create a system on how to distribute these passes, provided that they should observe social or physical distancing.

“Movement must be regulated through the issuance of gate passes to designated individuals per household. Such movement shall only be limited to purchasing basic necessities, and provision for foods and essential health services.” Dir. Iringan added.

Meanwhile, in a memorandum issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the unhampered delivery of basic commodities is again highlighted. The DILG reiterates the provisions set forth by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), that the movement of food and essential goods will not be restricted.

“The Philippine National Police (PNP) has designated cargo lanes in checkpoints to expedite the entry of basic needs suppliers. Using a food pass for free, priority for entry to cargo lanes will be given to truckers,” explained Dir. Iringan.

Congruently, it is emphasized that all farming and fishing activities will continue to ensure sufficient food supply across the country. These activities include, but not limited to land preparation, planting, crop maintenance, harvesting, threshing drying, milling, sorting, packaging, and trading.

DA is also exempting all farmers and farm workers, fisher folks, and agribusiness personnel from doing home quarantine provided that they do not exhibit any one of the symptoms of COVID-19, the number of working persons will be limited or at minimum, and safety protocols are ensured, and physical distancing is practiced in the work place.