BY CARLA P. GOMEZ
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) extended the Modified General Community Quarantine over Negros Occidental and Oriental, and Bacolod City until August 30 with strict enforcement of local action, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque announced Saturday.
Roque stressed the need for the strict lockdown of specific COVID-19 hit areas in line with the Zoning Containment Strategy, enforcement of minimum public health standards and intensified tracing and quarantine of close contacts, and isolation of confirmed cases.
In Western Visayas, only Iloilo City and in Central Visayas – Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu Lapu City, remain under GCQ.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued executive orders Saturday extending the MGCQ status in the province and city in compliance with Resolution No. 63 of the national IATF-EID.
Leonardia, in Executive Order 53 Series of 2020, ordered the fifth extension of MGCQ in Bacolod City until August 30, stressing that Bacolodnons still have to adopt necessary lifestyle changes because COVID-19 is still a scourge to Bacolod City and the whole world.
In the EO, the mayor, ordered the continued enforcement of curfew from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. until August 22, which may be further extended as warranted by circumstances.
The EO also extends the liquor ban in Bacolod and the Sunday closure of the Central Market, Burgos North Market and Libertad South Market for cleaning and disinfection in observance of health protocols and public safety, the mayor said.
In case of positive detection of COVID-19, which may spread and endanger the lives of citizens in a specific house, street, neighborhood, and barangay, localized lockdowns will be enforced, he said.
The mayor also strongly reminded persons below 21 years old, those 60 years old and above, those with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities and other health risks regardless of age, pregnant women and those who care for such persons to stay in their residences at all times to reduce the risk of getting infected, or becoming a COVID-19 carrier.
Lacson, in Executive Order No. 20-36 Series of 2020, extended the MGCQ over Negros Occidental, citing the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the province and the country.
All persons and establishments violating the provisions of his EO as well as established health and safety protocols issued by the national government and the province will face appropriate administrative and criminal charges, Lacson said.*
