Police checkpoints have been set up in every exit and entry point in the entire Bicol region to closely check on residents and transients coming from Metro Manila and other areas as a measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Brig. Gen. Anthony Alcañeses, Police Regional Office-5 director, in an interview on Monday said he ordered all provincial, town, and city police chiefs to intensify its police the checkpoints in the six provinces.
“The checkpoints manned by police and health personnel would check all passengers riding in buses, and private vehicles from Metro Manila and other provinces. The passengers will be asked to submit themselves to the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine following the Covid-19 precautionary guidelines set by various local government units,” Alcañeses said.
He added that the police at the checkpoints would strictly enforce the “No Entry/Exit Policy” and require the passengers to present a valid identification card and travel documents and undergo thermal scanning to check whether they have symptoms of flu, colds, and cough.
A holding area would be established for passengers with symptoms.
Alcañeses also reminded personnel manning the checkpoint to strictly implement the guidelines on proper wearing of personal protective equipment as well as social distancing.
Checkpoints are established at the boundaries along the Maharlika Highway connecting the provinces of Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon.
Still to be put up are those at the seaports and road networks in the island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate.
Meanwhile, in this city, Col. Aldwin Gamboa, police chief, said in a text message that all entrance and exit points are being inspected.
“We are allowing private vehicles to enter with one passenger only for consideration,” he said.
Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal issued on Monday an order suspending all work in local, national and private offices and closed down all malls.
“All those engaged in food services (food preparation and delivery only) public markets, laboratories and clinics, drugstores/pharmacies, banking institutions and money remittance centers, water refilling stations, groceries and hypermarts, utilities and courier services shall continue,” he said.
Rosal added that as part of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, all mass public transport facilities shall be suspended.
“Let’s continue all precautionary measures to contain and prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he said. (PNA)
