By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson issued an executive order extending Alert Level 2 in the province while Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the city will remain in Alert Level 1.
Lacson on Tuesday night released Executive Order No. 22-11, Series of 2022 extending Alert Level 2 status until March 31, 2022, pursuant to IATF-EID Resolution 164 dated March 10.
On the other hand, Leonardia said Alert Level 1 status for Bacolod, which was also ordered by the IATF- EID, augurs well for the city government’s economic recovery plan under the new normal.
“Our gold medal streak continues. We are entering the new normal. It doesn’t mean, however, that the virus is gone. COVID is still here and we must always be on our guard,” Leonardia said.
He said that under Alert Level 1, movement of persons regardless of age and comorbidities is allowed, but with restrictions on crowded and closed spaces and close contact (3Cs) settings.
The operations of private establishments and government agencies are likewise allowed at full on-site capacity, subject to minimum public health standards.
The IATF-EID is also still requiring the wearing of well-fitted face masks, except when eating and drinking; participating in team and individual sports in venues where ventilation standards can be maintained; and practicing outdoor sports or exercise activities where physical distance can still be observed.
Persons 18 years old and above must present proof of full vaccination before participating in mass gatherings or entry into indoor establishments like churches, restaurants, fitness studios and gyms, indoor cinemas, meetings and exhibition venues, wedding receptions, birthday parties, hotels and other accommodation establishments, and venues for election-related events.
Proof of full vaccination is also required for those aged at least 18 years before entry in confined spaces with poor ventilation; crowded places with no physical distancing; and close-contact settings with face-to-face interaction.
After logging zero COVID-19 infections last March 12, Bacolod City registered no infections anew Monday, based on real-time data from the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force.
Bacolod first booked zero COVID cases on March 10, 2021.
The EOC also reported zero cases on February 21, 2022 and March 12, 2022.
Leonardia attributed the successful campaign against the health crisis to the leadership of local IATF chair and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, the EOC and its army of vaccination volunteers.
At the same time, the mayor reminded residents to remain vigilant and reiterated his call to “live with the virus and adjust to it accordingly and cautiously,” under the new normal.
