Local Governments in Mindanao Implement Measures to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus

Title: Local Government Responses to COVID-19 in Mindanao As the coronavirus pandemic spreads globally, local governments in Mindanao are taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus within their communities. In General Santos City (GenSan), Mayor Ronnel Rivera has implemented a city-wide curfew from 9 PM to 4 AM and suspended classes starting March 16th until further notice. The mayor also advised residents to avoid mass gatherings, including church services, parties, cockfights, derbies, large congregations, group gatherings, and other civic gatherings. To ensure the safety of local government employees, Rivera said its offices will just employ skeletal forces. Public transport drivers and operators are required to use a mask to protect the general riding public. Travelers coming from Manila in the next 48 hours -- because of the pending community quarantine – will undergo monitored self-quarantine. In South Cotabato, Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said the province is ready to seal off its entry and exit points to complement the travel restriction. The governor said they will specifically monitor the highways in the municipalities of Sto. Nino, Norala, and Tantangan, all of which are in the province’s boundary with Sultan Kudarat. As of Friday, Region 12 or Soccsksargen has remained free from COVID-19 based on a situation report released by DOH-12. However, there have been at least 16 persons under monitoring (PUM) currently undergoing the 14-day mandatory home quarantine due to their history of travel to countries with confirmed cases. In Sarangani, two patients under investigation (PUIs) have already tested negative for COVID-19 while another case was referred to the isolation facility of a private hospital. The latest case is the 10-year-old daughter of an overseas Filipino worker from Glan town who returned home from Japan last February 28th. These measures are part of the local government's efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect their communities.