Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the mandatory rule on wearing of face masks in public transportation as a deterrent against the spread of COVID-19 in Bacolod City will be enforced.
The mayor, who held a press conference Monday, April 24, said while Bacolod remains under COVID-19 Alert Level 1 he is urging all residents to observe minimum health protocols.
He also stressed that individuals not fully vaccinated, senior citizens and immuno-compromised individuals are highly encouraged to wear masks.
Dr. Anna Maria Laarni M. Pornan, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head, reported during the press conference that there were eight COVID-19 related deaths in Bacolod City in 2023, two of which were in April.
Those who died were unvaccinated, she added.
One was 7 years old, two were 40 years old, one 53 years old, and the rest were senior citizens, she said.
“If you are unvaccinated you are at risk, especially if you are a senior citizen,” the mayor pointed out.
Benitez said the city will campaign to increase the awareness of unvaccinated individuals on the need to get vaccinated.
For those who are unvaccinated, Benitez said the public can avail of free COVID-19 vaccines at the City Health Office, he said.
Bacolod also has Pfizer booster vaccines for adults and minors until supply last, which can be availed of at the City Health Office Mondays to Fridays.
Pornan said Bacolod had 52 COVID-19 cases in January, 28 in February, 41 in March and 100 in April.
Pornan attributed the recent increase in cases to more face to face activities, many no longer wearing face masks, and the weather that is causing a lot to suffer from fever.
The COVID-19 home quarantine required for those who are unvaccinated is 14 days, vaccinated – seven days and health workers with booster shots – five days, Pornan said.
Bacolod has two quarantine facilities but currently only has one patient, because most have opted for home quarantine, she added.
Bacolod remains under Alert Level 1 because of its high vaccination rate, which has exceeded its target, Pornan said.
Benitez said he is urging all Bacolodnons to follow the minimum health protocols as indicated in President Ferdinand Marcos’ Executive Order No. 7.
Under EO7 the wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings shall be voluntary except in the following settings:
*Healthcare facilities, including, but not limited to, clinics, hospitals, laboratories, nursing homes and dialysis clinics;
*Medical transport vehicles, such as ambulance and paramedic rescue vehicles; and
*Public transportation by land, air or sea.
Mask wearing is still encouraged for the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, unvaccinated individuals and symptomatic individuals, EO7said.*