BACOLOD CITY –– The provincial capitol here shut its doors to employees and the public on Wednesday, August 12, after some workers got infected with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, Negros Occidental provincial health officer, said the “lockdown” would last for five days or until August 16.
“The current surge of COVID- 19 infections in the provincial capitol and likewise in our hospitals, especially in TLJPH (Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City), where our molecular lab is situated, has compelled us to recommend a lockdown of the provincial capitol for five days,” he said in a statement.
“By locking down the capitol for five days, we might be able to stop the transmission within the building,” he added.
As of Wednesday, at least eight capitol employees tested positive for COVID-19, while two died.
The Provincial Health Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Team, and the command center remained functional to monitor COVID-19 concerns.
While the capitol is closed, Tumimbang advised employees to undergo home quarantine.