BACOLOD CITY –– Five residents of Bacolod City succumbed to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) last weekend.
The fatalities include a 29-year-old employee of the City Land Tax Division, who was set to get married in September, and a call center supervisor, said Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia ordered the temporary closure of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) from Monday to Saturday for disinfection and preventive decontamination.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you news of the passing of yet another city government employee. He succumbed to the deadly COVID-19 today and he is the second employee to have expired due to the virus, in just under a week,” the mayor said.
He said at least six employees of the Land Tax Division tested positive for COVID-19.
After conferring with Familiaran, City Administrator Em Ang, City Health Officer Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, and other government officials, Leonardia said he ordered the immediate and temporary closure of the BCGC.
So as not to hamper the emergency and social welfare services of the city, Leonardia said he has ordered the City Health Office, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, and the Department of Social Services and Development to continue operating outside the BCGC in locations that would be announced later.
The general public may reach the City Mayor’s Office at the Bacolod City Public Plaza Office, where it will be temporarily located, while the City Administrator’s Office will be at the Tourism Satellite Office/Bayanihan Center along Rizal Street.
“As the city is intensifying its efforts in this battle against COVID-19, we implore everyone to do their share by cooperating with our authorities and to follow the minimum health protocols set by the national and local governments. Our individual acts definitely count in this fight,” Leonardia said.
He also called on the public to join him in praying for those who died of COVID-19, for the full and swift recovery of those still under treatment, and for local transmissions to stop.
“Let us also pray for our City and for our neighboring towns and cities that we may all be guided and protected by the Almighty,” Leonardia said.