Passi City in Iloilo placed under ECQ

Passi City in Iloilo province was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) — the strictest among quarantine protocols — due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

A report by One Western Visayas on Unang Balita on Friday said the city will be under ECQ until February 11.

According to data from the local government, the city has recorded 166 new cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday, most of them market vendors and their close contacts.

"Nag-decide tayo na ilagay sa ECQ o enhanced community quarantine ang lungsod ng Passi dahil almost 80% na ng mga barangay ang na-saturate ng COVID-19," said Passi City mayor Stephen Palmares.

The city has imposed a 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew. Residents leaving their homes must present a quarantine pass to authorities, while non-residents were not allowed to enter the city.

Businesses providing basic services were allowed to operate.  —KBK, GMA News