This Week in Bacolod (March 22 to 28, 2020)

Although group outings and island hopping activities are discouraged due to the Covid-19 threat, the summer season is stepping into the country. Ranging from 33 °C to 34 °C, the temperature continues to rise this week, with the sun visible in the sky most days. Anticipate rain showers during the weekend, so bring umbrellas and raincoats if you have important errands to do.

The master plan of Bacolod City’s drainage system is already finished and will be implemented in 2021 by the Department of Public Works and Highways. According to District Engineer Abrahan Villareal, the study conducted by Pert Consultants identified 20 local roads that need inland drainages. A budget of PhP14 million was allocated for the drainage projects, and this would be included in the 2021 budget.

The Executive Order No. 21 series of 2020 which was signed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia on March 15, 2020, put the city under a general community quarantine. The EO restricts all land, sea, and air travel to and from Bacolod City. The movement of goods and cargoes is allowed, but strict checking measures will be done by authorities. The Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard are ordered to secure all entry locations in the city as well. The mayor also requested the Inter-Agency Task Force Against Coronavirus Disease and other government agencies to come up with rules and regulations related to the executive order [3].

Following EO No. 21 is Executive Order No. 22 series of 2020, which provides the implementing rules and regulations (IRR). Among the important provisions of the IRR is the setting up of check-up points in the strategic areas in Bacolod to ensure that quarantine measures are followed, the implementation of the 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM curfew, stringent social distancing, early closure of malls and commercial areas, and the private sector’s cooperation for flexible hours among employees. All residents in Bacolod are strongly encouraged to stay at home and to only come out to buy needs such as food and medical supplies [4].

A male resident of Bacolod with a travel history to London was tested positive for COVID-19, as confirmed by the Department of Health (DOH). The 59-year-old male patient was the first confirmed case in the city and in Western Visayas. The patient is recovering and in stable condition at an undisclosed medical facility in the city. As of March 22, there are 5 Persons Under Investigation (PUI). The City Health Office will conduct thorough contract tracing with the help of the police [5].

Passengers affected by the flight cancellations were given options by local airlines. AirAsia Philippines allowed guests to make changes to their flight plans at no cost. Philippine Airlines offered the same option and will give a refund for affected passengers. Cebu Pacific offered a choice between free rebooking or putting the ticket value to a travel fund. AirAsia Philippines and Philippine Airlines noted that they will still continue flying to and from the airports outside Metro Manila [6].

Until further notice, all mass gatherings and public events are suspended in Bacolod City under Executive Order No. 18 which was issued by Mayor Evelio Leonardia [7]. School activities for both private and public schools, fiestas, prayer rallies, sports, amusement, and entertainment programs that draw large crowds are included in the suspension.

An advisory was passed to require all individuals returning from Manila and other areas positive with Covid-19 to do home quarantine for 14 days [8]. These individuals are advised to observe social distancing by staying at home, endorse their situation to their respective barangays, and get in touch with the Provincial Health Office if they experience symptoms.

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