Returning folks barred in Ilocos Sur towns, cities

By John Michael Mugas 

VIGAN CITY —The entry of returning residents in at least 21 towns and cities in Ilocos Sur has been put on hold until Oct. 6 as these areas in the province try to contain a surge in Covid-19 cases.
    These are the cities of Vigan and Candon, and the towns of Sinait, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo, San Ildefonso, San Vicente, Santa Catalina, Bantay, Caoayan, Santa, Narvacan, Santa Maria, Santiago, Santa Lucia, Santa Cruz, Salcedo, Gregorio del Pilar and Suyo.
    Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Luis Singson placed these areas under a two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the most restrictive quarantine classification in the country, on Sept. 22.
    The provincial government on Sept. 27 tightened border checkpoints by requiring authorized travelers to present negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results taken within 72 hours prior to their entry into the province.
    As of Sept. 24, the province had recorded a total of 12,750 Covid-19 cases since the pandemic began last year, including 3,360 active infections, 9,146 recoveries, and 244 deaths.