BUTUAN CITY - The municipality of San Benito in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte is imposing a 14-day restriction of movements among its residents and individuals who wish to enter the town amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Mayor Ma. Gina Sumando-Menil issued Executive Order (EO) No. 19 on Thursday that sets restrictions and placing the town under quarantine for 14 days to prevent the spread of the virus.

The EO is in effect starting Friday until October 7.

"There are already nine active cases of Covid-19 in our municipality that require immediate preventive measures to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading throughout the community," Menil said.

She added that health alert is also increasing nationwide amid the spread of the virus, especially the fast mutating and deadly Delta variant.

Under the EO, going in and out of the town shall be limited only on work duty in offices both in the public and private sectors while residents will only be allowed to go out of their residences in accessing essential goods and transactions.

Travels from the town to Surigao City and other areas in the Surigao mainland are only allowed upon securing a travel pass duly registered in the S-Pass system issued by the Office of the Mayor.

Village chiefs are also ordered to issue quarantine passes to family members authorized to go out to access essential goods and transactions.

Workers in government and private establishments shall secure a Worker's Pass from the Office of the Mayor to be used upon their exit and entry into the town.

A curfew from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. is in effect while checkpoints shall be established at the borders of the town during the period. (PNA)