State of calamity declared over Roxas, Isabela amid rising COVID-19 cases

The municipal council of Roxas, Isabela on Thursday declared a state of calamity after it reported a surge in the number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The municipality reported a total of 162 confirmed COVID-19 cases while 83 suspected cases are still awaiting confirmation.

In a resolution, the Sangguniang Bayan said the increase came after the adoption of a general community quarantine with a zoning containment strategy that affected 16 out of 26 barangays.

“[T]he declaration of a state of calamity will afford this LGU the necessary resources to undertake critical appropriate disaster responses and measures in a timely manner, or utilize appropriate funds,” the Sangguniang Bayan said.

According to the Sangguniang Bayan, the risk classification of Roxas has climbed to critical as it reported a 441.70% growth in cases from February 18 to March 18.

It also reported an average daily attack rate of 7.03 per 100,000 population.

As of March 22, the municipality has reported 83 suspected cases.

“[C]ases are expected to increase in the coming days upon completion of the ongoing contract tracing, surveillance, and antigen testing,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has reported a total of 693,048 confirmed cases, of which 580,062 have recovered and 13,095 have died.

There are 99,891 active cases in the country.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News