MALOLOS, BULACAN — Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, hundreds of cities and barangays across the nation have experienced the fear and threat of life under the virus. However, two of Malolos' barangays are living proof that a place can be free of COVID-19 through isolation — literally.

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The island barangays of Babatnin and Caliligawan are still free of the virus, even though the pandemic has been going on for more than a year. Even though there are no reported cases of the virus on the island, their barangay units have them following strict health protocols.

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"Tulad ng ibang barangay at lugar, ang health protocols na pinatupad dito sa amin ay: ang pagsuot ng facemask, pagkakaroon ng social distancing, hindi paglabas ng bahay kung walang mahalagang gagawin at pagdi-disinfect ng buong barangay," Aquixia Buluran, a Grade 10 student who lives in the island barangay of Babatnin, said.

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According to Buluran, they follow all of the health protocols from the wearing of face masks and face shields to the observation of social distancing. While there are times when people forget their masks and disobey the protocols, these are considered rare in their place.

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Based on data from the Malolos City Information Office, the two barangays have had zero COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

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Buluran stated that she is happy and blessed, as her barangay is safe and there is nothing going on that will cause the people around her to become stressed and scared.

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"Nakakatuwa dahil isa kami sa mga pinagpala na ‘di magkaroon ng cases ng virus na maaring maging dahilan ng matinding pangamba at takot sa buong baryo," she said.

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Today, the barangays are still living peacefully without the virus while following the protocols in order to avoid ever having to report the first COVID-19 case in their barangays.

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COVID-19 is a disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The virus can be transmitted person to person through contact and droplets, or if the person infected sneezes, coughs, and exhales. The droplets are heavy enough to hang in the air which is why they drop on other people or on the ground. 

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The virus has many symptoms with people being affected differently. Some individuals may experience loss of taste and smell or be afflicted with ailments like shortage of breath. While there is still no treatment for COVID-19, people can still recover as long as their symptoms are being taken care of.