NegOcc mayors brace for 14-day quarantine

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Several mayors in Negros Occidental appealed to their constituents to follow the rules once the province is placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) starting March 30, 2020 to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19.)

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson issued on Thursday Executive Order No. 20-20 placing the province under ECQ from March 30 to April 14, 2020.

Under the ECQ, government will strictly implement home confinement.  Only one family member is allowed to go out to secure food, medicines, and other basic items.

Mass gathering is prohibited and schools at all levels are closed. All forms of mass transport are also suspended.

There will be no work in government except for the police, army, and medical and emergency personnel.

The private sector is encouraged to allow their workers to work at home. Some business establishments are allowed to operate such as public markets, supermarkets, hospitals or clinics, pharmacies, refilling stations, and restaurants with food delivery services.

“Bawal ang pasaway,” said Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante.

Escalante told Daily Guardian that “We are scrambling to have all resources ready for Monday’s ECQ.  Logistics wise, cities are doing its best to be ready. In Cadiz as of today we have placed our orders and deliveries are coming in.  By Saturday or Sunday we should be ready.”

“We are preparing food packs and our quarantine pass. We have already given final instructions to our responders. Except for the food packs we are almost ready. Be prepared, keep safe and follow the rules we have set for these 14 days of ECQ.  Bawal and pasaway,” he added.

Cauayan town Mayor John Rey Tabujara said the bottom line is for everyone to cooperate in the duration of the ECQ.