By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – Mayor Evelio Leonardia on Monday placed the Bacolod Government Center (BCGC) under lockdown after another government employee succumbed to the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news of the passing of yet another City Government employee. He succumbed to the deadly COVID-19 today and he is the second employee to have expired due to the virus, in just under a week,” Leonardia said.
Six employees of the Land Tax Division have tested positive, with four of them asymptomatic, he added.
“I immediately conferred with Vice Mayor El Cid M. Familiaran, City Administrator Em L. Ang, City Health Officer Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, and other government officials to address this unfortunate turn of events.”
Upon the recommendation of city officials, Leonardia ordered the immediate and temporary closure of the Bacolod City Government Center starting Monday until Aug 16 subject to further evaluation, the mayor added.
The move will allow Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) personnel to effectively decontaminate or disinfect the building and its surroundings.
“In order not to hamper emergency and social welfare services of the City, I have ordered the City Health Office, DRRMO and the Department of Social Services and Development to continue operating outside of the BCGC in locations that will be advised later.”
The public may reach the City Mayor’s Office at the Bacolod City Public Plaza Office where it shall temporarily hold office, while the City Administrator’s Office shall be at the Tourism Satellite Office/Bayanihan Center along Rizal Street (near SM).
“As the City is intensifying its efforts in this battle against COVID-19, we implore everyone to do their share by cooperating with our authorities and to follow the minimum health protocols set by the national and local governments. Our individual acts definitely count in this fight,” Leonardia said.
