The amount of P56 million has been earmarked for the purchase of additional COVID-19 test kits, and for food expenses and quarantine facilities in Negros Occidental for next year, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said.
Of the allocated budget, P36 million will be used to buy additional test kits, and P20 million for quarantine facilities and food expenses, Diaz said.
“While the Department of Health is providing test kits to the provincial government, we cannot rely on DOH 100 percent. We have to be ready with our own supply,” he added.
The provincial government is maintaining three COVID-19 quarantine facilities in EB Magalona, Silay City, and Murcia.
As of Nov. 16, Negros Occidental had 5,297 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 4,494 recoveries. There are 651 active cases and 152 deaths, the provincial government reported.
As to the budget for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines, Diaz said it was not included in the proposed P4.4 billion budget of the provincial government for 2021.
Asked if financial assistance will be extended to Capitol frontliners, who may be infected by the virus, Diaz said that they are already enjoying hazard pay and special risk allowances.
If a worst case scenario happens to Capitol employees, he said that the provincial government will take care of them and their family members, including board and lodging at the Mambukal Mountain Resort in Murcia town.*GPB
