This Week in Bacolod (May 2 to 8, 2021)

Even though Negros Occidental is under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson appealed to Negrenses to act as if the province is under a stricter quarantine status [1]. Noting a surge in new COVID-19 cases in the province, the Department of Health Western Visayas identified the Negros Occidental as a “high-risk” area. In President Duterte’s most recent quarantine update, Negros Occidental is under MGCQ until May 14. Under this quarantine status, the public is still required to comply with health, safety protocols.

After 14 police officers tested positive for the coronavirus disease [2], the Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will aggressively conduct surveillance testing in different areas in the city. The EOC stressed that they would focus on persons with a high risk of catching the virus by putting them immediately under isolation as a safety protocol. The center assured individuals under quarantine that they will provide them food and other necessities to help them recover and cope while they are in isolation.

The EOC continues to discourage non-essential social gatherings and dining out among individuals not living in the same household [3].

In Bacolod City, the first batch of senior citizens received Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines during the launch of the vaccination program last April 26. The vaccination sites were the lobby of the Government Center and the barangay centers in Villamonte, Mandalagan, Vista Alegre, and Singcang-Airport [5].

In addition to this, the government will also release 1,050 COVID-19 vaccines to different hospitals in the city. In a statement made by City Health Officer Dr. Edwin Miraflor, registration—whether online or through the barangay—must be done by persons who want to be vaccinated against the virus.

More information on Bacolod’s swab testing center and COVID-19 vaccination can be found at Yoorekka. Visit the homepage for health articles on swab test center updates and more.