BACOLOD CITY – Please follow the rules.
This was the appeal of Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia to the public as the city transitioned to general community quarantine (GCQ) on Saturday, May 16.
The GCQ here began with overloaded tricycles and pedicabs; residents gathering in barangays, some without masks; more cars on the streets; and people at shopping malls as checkpoints within the city were taken down.
The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has placed Bacolod City and Negros Occidental under GCQ, allowing the gradual reopening of offices, business establishments and transportation services.
Leonardia said the transition, however, does not mean that the threat of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was gone.
“The danger of COVID-19 is still here. We cannot let our guard down,” the mayor said.
Leonardia urged the public to observe basic health protocols like wearing of masks and physical distancing.
“We expect the business owners, including the malls, to implement the COVID-19 health protocols. We need the cooperation of everybody,” he said.
While he suspended the use of home quarantine passes and Sunday lockdowns, Leonardia said there was a possibility that he would reimplement these measures, depending on what happens in the coming days.
“It is an option, but we want to avoid it if possible,” he said.
Leonardia said jeepneys could resume operation at 50 percent capacity, and must put barriers or dividers to protect the public.
Taxis are allowed to operate with two passengers in the back seat and one in the front seat, provided there is a barrier between the driver and the front seat passenger.
Tricycles and pedicabs, on the other hand, should only have one passenger.
Leonardia said motorcycle backriders were still not allowed as a general rule because of the physical distancing measures.
However, he said it would be up to the Philippine National Police to make “on the spot” decisions especially during emergency cases.
Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran called on barangay officials and the police to ensure the implementation of the rules set in the mayor’s executive order placing Negros Occidental under GCQ.
“Let’s hope and pray that there are no new COVID-19 cases, and this will depend on the compliance by the public,” he said.
“If COVID-19 cases emerge, we will have to go back to enhanced community quarantine and all of us will suffer again. So let’s all practice self-discipline,” he added.
To report violations of health protocols against COVID-19 in Bacolod City, the public can call the police hotlines through 0961-593-8086 (Smart) and 0915-567-0411 (Globe).