THE Lingayen government, headed by Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, is considering a localized lockdown in some barangays due to increasing number of residents that tested positive for COVID-19.

Lingayen is among the five towns in the province with the highest number of COVID-19 cases — with 31 recorded cases, according to the town’s health office as of October 22.

As of Wednesday, October 21, the town recorded four fresh cases of COVID-19 in Barangays Baay, Libsong West, and Poblacion; two are frontliners, one a direct contact of a positive patient, while one is a former Patient Under Investigation (PUI).

The town has also recorded five recoveries.

Bataoil laments the continued irresponsible and inconsiderate attitude towards the risks and potential danger the sickness could bring to others.

He noted that locally stranded individuals (LSI) that tested positive for COVID-19, but the latest cases of infection are already suspected to come from local transmission.

Bataoil said if COVID situation takes a turn for worse, he would not take second thoughts of imposing zonal lockdowns in Lingayen.

“These are still abnormal times. If the situation continues to worsen, I may be forced to use my powers under the law to implement a localized lockdown per barangay,” Bataoil said. “All of this, to protect our town”, he added.

“All of us are at fault. We have become complacent. We put our guard down thinking that under MGCQ (modified general community quarantine), we can live our lives normally,” Bataoil said.

Bataoil issued a memorandum to all barangays chairmen to intensify the implementation and monitoring of health safety protocols, such as wearing of face masks and face shields, physical distancing, and prohibition of mass gatherings.

As of writing, the town has logged total of 80 cases, of which 48 have recovered, while three persons have died from COVID-19. (Ahikam Pasion/PhilStar Wire Service/ECV)

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