This Week in Bacolod (August 1 to 7, 2021)

When the local government allowed walk-in appointments for the vaccine, malls were crowded with people who were not on the list for schedule. As a result, the COVID-19 Vaccination Council will no longer allow those who did not register online for the vaccine to prevent crowding and prioritize vulnerable groups.

According to City Administrator Em Ang, residents crowded the malls and disregarded social distancing while waiting in queues inside and outside the malls. She also noted that the vaccination sites at Ayala Mall Capitol Central, Robinsons Place Bacolod, and SMX Convention Center reached the maximum number of vaccinated people for the day. Only those notified through text messages from the Vaccination Team can enter the vaccination sites for immunization.

She added that free vaccines are still available in barangays and appointed schools; however, residents should still sign up for a schedule.

Under Executive Order (EO) 39-A, series of 2021, Mayor Evelio Leonardia temporarily bans the entry of leisure travelers from Panay Island to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant in the city [1]. The city mayor issued the EO after the regional health authorities in Region 6 announced that they found two positive cases of the new strain in Panay Island.

Also, under the EO, the mayor will require fully vaccinated Bacolodnons to present negative RT-PCR test results secured within 72 hours before and upon their arrival at entry points in the city. On the other hand, only authorized persons outside residence (APORs) can travel from Panay to Bacolod vice versa.

Lastly, President Duterte announced last July 28 that some provinces in the Philippines, including Bacolod, will remain under general community quarantine status with heightened restrictions. The extension of city lockdown will start on August 1 to 15.

Amid the new COVID-19 variant threat in Western Visayas, a hospital in Bacolod City assures its constituents not to worry about the virus. In a statement released by the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) chief, Dr. Julius Drilon, the hospital is prepared if ever there is a rise of positive patients due to the Delta variant.

The chief mentioned that the hospital had the medical staff tested for COVID-19 and also replaced the staff's protective equipment. He also added that patients for admissions would be cared for immediately.

Visit Yoorekka Consumer Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Bacolod!