Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental shut borders to combat COVID-19 spread

BACOLOD CITY – Officials of Negros Island have closed its respective borders to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19.

Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson issued separate executive orders to ensure the safety of their constituents.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia also declared a general community quarantine in the city a few hours after the death of a Tayasan, Negros Oriental councilor who succumbed to the coronavirus in a hospital on Sunday.

Governor Degamo has declared a state of calamity in Negros Oriental upon the recommendation of the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“All borders, ports, and airports of Negros Oriental are now declared closed effective immediately and will remain in full force and effect until April 14,” said provincial spokesperson Bimbo Miraflor.

Entry of persons will be restricted except for identified residents of Negros Oriental, health workers responding to emergencies, members of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection and all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, persons traveling for urgent medical or humanitarian reasons, and persons transporting essential goods, supplies and medicines.

Degamo also ordered the suspension of classes in all levels for both private and public schools.

In Negros Occidental, Governor Lacson came up with similar arrangements to help contain the virus which has no known cure.

On Sunday, Lacson issued an executive order implementing the closure of the borders, ports and airports of Negros Occidental.

Operators and dispatchers of bus and other public utility vehicles, he said, will be required to refrain from crossing the borders of Negros Occidental, and to check all passengers for COVID-19 symptoms prior to purchasing tickets and boarding.

The Provincial Health Office will print health and information forms for all residents of Negros Occidental, the governor said.

In Bacolod City, Leonardia opted to place the city under a “general community quarantine” due to the quick and alarming increase in infections and deaths caused by COVID-19 all over the Philippines.

While under a general community quarantine, all land, sea and air travel to and from Bacolod City will be restricted.

However, movement of goods and cargoes to and from the city will not be hampered./###