By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – Councilor Jason Tembrevilla Tupas of Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental said two local residents succumbed to the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.
Tupas said that because of this, 35 households in Barangay Bacuyangan were placed on a 14-day lockdown starting this weekend.
Mayor Ernesto Estrao ordered the lockdown to give way to contact tracing efforts.
Tupas said the local government provided the needs of affected households which include 158 individuals.
Tupas blamed Resolution No. 101 issued by the National Inter-Agency Task Force as the reason behind the spike in COVID-19 cases in the town.
He lamented that the resolution removed the mandatory swabbing and quarantine in Negros Occidental, while Department of Interior and Local Government also removed the medical certificate requirement for travelers.
“Damo sang naga binutig kag naga misdeclare sang ila address sa aton border. Halos wala na disiplina ang tawo sa mga giho kag gaka lipatan na ang mga health protocols,” he added.
As of April 24, 2021 the Rural Health Unit of Hinoba-an recorded four active COVID-19 cases.
Based on the latest update from the Department of Health Region -6, Negros Occidental has 171 new cases.
Meanwhile, Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson reminded his constituents and the public in general to strictly observe health protocols to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.
Tongson issued the call after recovering from COVID-19 himself.
Aside from Tongson, another mayor who contracted the virus, Gerry Rojas of Murcia, has also recovered.
Another mayor though contracted the virus, Sipalay City Mayor Gina Lizares.
Tongson highlighted the importance of strictly following all COVID-19 safety protocols such as frequent handwashing, social distancing, and use of face mask and face shield.
He said that as public servants, their utmost priority and responsibility will always be the overall welfare of their constituency especially in this unprecedented period.
