BY ADRIAN P. NEMES III
“Do not pre-empt the Inter-Agency Task Force,” was the reaction of Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday to reports circulating that the city might be placed under a stricter Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine starting tomorrow.
Leonardia emphasized that those statements were twisted to suit the interpretation of whoever circulated them, adding that, “We should wait for the official announcement from the IATF as theirs is the only body that could determine, allow or authorize the change of the city’s quarantine status.”
e said the IATF continues to evaluate the status of local government units, thus everyone is urged not to believe rumors and trolls over social media immediately.
Regardless of the quarantine status, Leonardia assured that the city government is always prepared.
Recently, the Bacolod City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit noted an increase in infection rate from June 1 to 10, with four in every 10 individuals tested for Covid-19 yielding positive results.
‘SNIPER APPROACH’
Leonardia explained that the increase was triggered by what he called the “sniper approach” where all close-contacts of a Covid positive patient are being swabbed even though they do not manifest any symptoms of the disease.
He said the movement of people remains as the major culprit for the spread of the virus in the city.
Meanwhile, Councilor Renecito Novero said that there are enough quarantine facilities but there are some that lack beds.
Novero, a member of the Covid Vaccination Council, said more public schools will be used for Covid patients and additional facilities will be placed in them. About 20 schools are currently used as Covid quarantine facilities while the 32-room mid-referral facility in Brgy. Alijis for those recuperating from the disease is also fully operational.*
