By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson Monday said that the province of Negros Occidental will slide back to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) starting May 1, 2020 despite hinting earlier on a one-week extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Lacson cited Resolution 28 of the National Inter-Agency Task Force against the coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19 where the province was excluded from the list of areas where the ECQ will be extended until May 15.

He said Negros Occidental was classified as among the “moderate risk” areas where GCQ can start May 1, 2020.

Lacson also quoted Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año who said that LGUs can decide on their status provided they follow the NIATF recommendation.

The GCQ will mean that some businesses and community activities will be allowed to resume provided they observe physical distancing and other rules to check the spread of COVID-19.

The governor also said that he informed the mayors in a teleconference Monday that they will have to follow the NIATF recommendation.

He also said border checkpoints will continue in every town or city in the province.

Some business establishments will also be allowed to re-open, although their operations will be limited.

As for the province’s mass public transport, Lacson said they will await directives from the Department of Transportation.

Lacson added he will issue an executive order for the implementation of the GCQ.

Last week, the governor said he is not yet keen on lifting the ECQ and even proposed a one-week extension.

The three new COVID-19 cases in the provinces are the reasons for his initial plan to extend the ECQ.