Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Tuesday, May 28, reminded the public to take safety precautions as the COVID-19 threat still exist.
Benitez cited the recent increase of COVID-19 cases in some countries because of the emergence of “FLiRT” variants, a statement from his spokesman Caesar Distrito said.
“FLiRT” variants have been detected in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Singapore.
Close variant of monitoring is up in Bacolod and the entire country, Distrito said.
The mayor and the City Health Office is encouraging everyone to wear masks when in an enclosed setting, especially if one had the flu or any respiratory tract infection, and when one is immuno compromised, a senior citizen, or a young child.
Masks should also be worn in medical facilities like clinics, hospitals, birthing homes and laboratories, they said.
Those who are sick should stay home and everyone should practice good hygiene by covering ones mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing or sanitizing hands often and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, they added.
They also encouraged outdoor gatherings and the purifying of indoor air.
The public are also encouraged to get vaccinated against flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19.
The mayor has directed the CHO to monitor the situation and prepare the necessary health response plan, Distrito said.*