Five La Union areas under GCQ; Pangasinan, MGCQ

By Eva Visperas

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pangasinan — This city and five towns in La Union were placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) while 14 other municipalities will be under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) until Nov. 15.
    Gov. Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III issued Executive Order 52, extending the GCQ in the city of San Fernando as well as in the towns of Aringay, Bacnotan, Bauang, Burgos and San Gabriel.
    The order also relaxed the quarantine restrictions in Agoo, Bagulin, Balaoan, Bangar, Caba, Luna, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, San Juan, Santo Tomas, Santol, Sudipen and Tubao.
    The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases placed the province of La Union under MGCQ.
    As of Oct. 26, the number of active cases in the province had decreased to 2,247, placing La Union at moderate risk level.
    The provincial government consulted the local mayors before updating the quarantine status in select areas.
    Ortega said that local government units may impose granular lockdowns if necessary, as provided under the guidelines issued by the IATF, and subject to the approval of the regional task force.
    Meanwhile, the province of Pangasinan has been reverted to MGCQ from Nov. 1 to 30, but traditional cockfighting, entertainment venues and children’s amusement centers are still not allowed to operate.
    Gov. Amado Espino III approved the implementing guidelines for the MGCQ based on a memorandum circular issued by the     Department of Trade and Industry.
    The guidelines prohibit people aged below 15 and over 65 years as well as those with comorbidities and pregnant women from going out of their houses, except when obtaining essential goods and services, or for work in establishments and offices permitted by the IATF to operate.
    Children aged five and above may be allowed to go to out, provided they are accompanied by their parents or an adult guardian.
    The province-wide curfew is from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., the order said.
    Public gatherings may be allowed at up to 50 percent of the venue capacity, with minimum health protocols observed.
    The provincial government requires inbound travelers to secure a travel pass before entering Pangasinan.
    Authorized persons outside of residence are exempted from the travel pass requirement.