Mabalacat, Pampanga records zero COVID-19 cases for 2 days

The city of Mabalacat in Pampanga has recorded zero COVID-19 cases on November 14 and 16, according to the Pampanga Public Information Office (PIO).

Dr. Jose Antonio Rivera, special assistant for COVID-19 response in the city, said the city’s COVID-19 vaccination drive helped achieve zero COVID-19 cases in the city.

“Recently, we got the highest percentage of vaccinated individuals all over Central Luzon. That’s a big help also regarding this pandemic,” Rivera said in Oscar Oida’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday.

Since the province was downgraded to Alert Level 2, the residents were still complying with the health protocols implemented in the city.

“Sumusunod naman po sila kasi kung hindi po sila susunod mahuhuli ho ng mga pulis para laging safe tayo at laging manatili sa bahay kung walang gagawin,” Angelo David, Mabalacat City traffic enforcer, said.

(The residents follow the protocols because if they don't follow, the police will apprehend them,  for us to be safe, let us always stay at home if there is nothing important to do outside.)

“Pinaalalahanan ko na magsuot ng face shield at mataas yung porsyento na malayo ka sa COVID-19 pagka face shield ka tapos mask wag kakalimutan, paguwi ng bahay hugas kamay,” tricycle driver Emerson Bernardo said.

(I reminded residents to wear face shield because it can be a safety precaution against COVID-19 and then do not forget to wear a mask, when you go home wash your hands.)

Meanwhile, in Barangay Mabiga, Mabalacat City has not reported new COVID-19 cases for almost a week.

The barangay officials said at least 90% of their residents are vaccinated due to their house-to-house campaign to encourage people to get inoculated against the viral disease.

They also reprimanded and imposed proper sanctions for those who will violate the health protocols.

“Community service ang parusa maglilinis sila ng kapaligiran, magwawalis sila pag sa mga bata, kailangan kasama ang magulang para madala sila,” Romeo Rivera, secretary of Barangay Mabiga, said.

(Community service is the punishment, they will clean the surroundings. If the children are caught, they will sweep with their parents to discipline them.)

The officials, however, noted that they will not be complacent and will strictly enforced curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Rivera said only a limited number of people will be allowed in social gatherings and they must secure permit from the barangay.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News