QC declares state of calamity due to COVID-19

Quezon City has declared a state of calamity due to the growing threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

This declaration allows the city's 142 barangays to access quick response funds for necessary resources.

As of posting, Quezon City had 6 confirmed coronavirus cases.

Mayor Joy Belmonte stated that the amount of funds available has not yet been discussed, but the immediate access to quick response funds is crucial.

The state of calamity enables both the city and its barangays to engage in emergency procurement, bypassing lengthy bidding processes.

Preventive measures have been implemented, including guidelines for jail facilities, mass gatherings, and public events.

Barangays have the task of setting up isolation rooms, disinfecting their areas, monitoring persons under investigation (PUIs) and persons under monitoring (PUMs), and training response teams in their respective communities.

Discussions with barangay captains are scheduled to address various measures, including support for the Philippine National Police in guarding city boundaries.