There is no truth to the rumors circulating on social media that Bacolod City will be locked down starting Monday, January 10, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said Sunday.
“This is to inform the public that there is no truth to the rumors in social media that Bacolod City will be placed under a lockdown status starting January 10, in anticipation of the resurgence of COVID-19 cases post-holiday season,” Leonardia said in a statement.
Bacolod City remains under Alert Level 2, Leonardia said.
“As such, no directive for a lockdown in Bacolod City has been issued by the National Inter-Agency Task Force. Please be guided accordingly,” Leonardia added.
Dr. Chris Sorongon, Emergency Operations Center-Task Force deputy for medical and data analysis, said the local government will continue to balance the people’s health and the economy.
“Meaning it is business as usual but we have to proceed with caution by continuing to observe minimum health protocols,” he added.
If ever there will be imposition of restricted movements sometime in the future, it may only cover the unvaccinated residents, including unvaccinated children, Sorongon said.
“Rest assured that the City of Bacolod has put in place mitigating measures in preparation for a possible surge brought about by post-holiday transmission or the Omicron variant,” Sorongon said.
Sorongon cited at least seven measures that are currently the focus of the EOC-TF headed by former Councilor Em Legaspi-Ang:
*Imposition of stricter border control;
*Executive Order No. 1 requiring negative RT-PCR results for inbound travelers coming from areas under Alert Level 3 or higher alert level status;
*Intensifying the vaccination drive and administration of booster shots with focus on vulnerable groups like the seniors and those with co-morbidities;
*Master listing of the 5-11 year old pediatric group;
*Preparation of temporary treatment and monitoring facilities;
*Intensifying the PDITR (Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment and Re-integration) strategy; and
*Preparation of hospitals to ensure they have ample supply of medicines, oxygen and available beds, among others.
“We highly encourage residents with flu-like symptoms to seek early consultation and avail of free swab tests at the Bacolod Respiratory Center so that early treatment can be effected, Sorongon said.
He also warned that those caught faking RT-PCR results and vaccination cards will face legal action.
“Let us unite and cooperate. Let us keep Bacolod safe and continue to observe minimum health protocols. Let this be your expression of love for Bacolod,” Sorongon said.*