Some 50 tricycle drivers are now being observed in Mandaluyong City after their results in rapid coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test came out positive.
The trike drivers are now isolated in Neptali A. Gonzales High School together, along with 49 other residents of the city who also tested positive in the rapid test.
For now, the results of their swab test are pending, which would serve as a confirmation that they have been infected, said Dr. Emily Detaro, isolation officer in Mandaluyong.
According to Jimmy Isidro, chief of staff of the Mandaluyong Mayor’s Office, they intend to finance and invest in the rapid testing for tricycle drivers to keep residents safe.
There are around 7,000 tricycle drivers in the city, according to the Mandaluyong Mayor’s Office.
If the tricycle driver tested negative for COVID-19, the Mandaluyong government would give them an ID indicating that he or she is negative for the disease. The measure is part of the new normal in Mandaluyong.
“Nakapaskil ito sa loob ng sasakyan nila [it is posted on their vehicle],” said Isidro.
The rapid tests in the city are not limited to tricycle drivers, as the local government would also test vendors and jeepney drivers.
There are about 1,000 jeepney drivers in the city, while 2,500 are vendors, according to the Mandaluyong Mayor’s Office.
Also read: 95-year-old grandpa survives COVID-19 in Mandaluyong
Targeted lockdown begins in 3 areas in Caloocan
The targeted lockdown in three areas in Barangay 28, Caloocan City, started Tuesday midnight.
According to Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan, this is to prevent the increasing incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the barangay.
Caloocan Police Chief Police Col. Dario Minor said residents living in Kawal, Landaska, and Kamada area areas cannot leave their house yet.
Residents quarantine passes are suspended, and only frontliners and those with emergencies are allowed to leave the house.
In total, there are about 36,000 residents in the barangay, of which 5,000 are living in lockdown areas.
The “Pasabuy” system will be deployed where barangay officials are designated to assist and buy the essentials for the affected residents.
Barangay personnel will also provide relief goods such as food, medicine, and milk.
Mass testing was also conducted at Garlic Court in the said barangay and some places in Caloocan, such as Caloocan City People’s Park, North City Hall, and Barangay 181 Covered Court.