Strict Benguet anti- Covid laws pushed

By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Strict imposition of ordinances on health safety protocols with unsparing penalties will be imposed in Benguet to lessen transmission of Covid-19. 
    This, after Gov. Melchor Diclas told the Provincial Inter-Agency (PIATF) Covid-19 Task Force said this will contain the spread of the virus. 
    There are municipal ordinances on quarantine and health safety standard protocols against Covid-19, but enforcement of said health protocols has to be strictly monitored by barangay officials who are the primary implementers of government policies in barangays, he said.  
    Based on records of the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government, except for Itogon, Kabayan and Tublay, all  municipalities of Benguet   and provincial government have  approved  their respective ordinances on Covid-19 quarantine and health safety protocols with penalties.
     The health safety protocols include mandatory wearing of face masks, maintaining physical distancing,   and frequent hand washing, among others.
    With the strict enforcement of the ordinance, those reprimanded may be apprehensive to violate again the IATF’s health standards, said Diclas.  
     Earlier, the Provincial IATF issued an advisory reducing to three days the wake period as a measure to control mass gathering.
    Holding long wakes is a cultural practice   in the highlands, but this was observed as one of the reasons of the increase of Covid-19 cases in the province.
    “We have to innovate ways. We are not disregarding our culture but have to look into ways of preventing the spread of the disease,” said Diclas.
    Barangays are also tasked to   report of deaths, weddings and similar occasions to the municipal government to ensure monitoring of   compliance to health protocols.
    Monitoring of such activities should be sustained to reduce the transmission of the disease, Diclas said.
    Meanwhile, one concern raised regards the protocols to be followed for the dead who expired in their homes particularly on whether or not they be subjected to swabbing.
     “We may not know if they have contracted the disease or not and who knows they may be the source of infection,” Diclas said.
    While awaiting the DOH protocol on this, the municipal health officers will check the dead whether for swabbing or not, it was  agreed during the meeting. – PIA Benguet