Bacolod eases restrictions as COVID-19 cases drop

SUCCESS STORY Bacolod City is reopening more businesses after containing a surge in COVID-19 infections. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

BACOLOD CITY—Three months after a team from the national government was sent here to help the city contain the surging cases of COVID-19, the provincial capital of Negros Occidental managed to bring down its number of infections.

The Department of Health (DOH) said Bacolod’s new cases decreased to single or double digits compared to the three-digit levels in August.

On Dec. 1, the city’s quarantine status was downgraded to modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the classification with the most relaxed form of restrictions. Three months ago, the city was under modified enhanced community quarantine, the second strictest of the four quarantine classifications imposed by the government.

Bacolod, as of Monday, had 5,384 COVID-19 cases. Of these, 287 remained active with 4,935 recoveries and 162 deaths.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said that more businesses could operate after the city was placed under MGCQ.

The mayor, however, reminded the public to observe health protocols and to remain vigilant to prevent another spike in COVID-19 cases.

Frank Carbon, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer, said: “MGCQ is very good news for the local economy. It will allow more businesses to open and generate jobs that are badly needed.”

“It will now allow for more interisland travel and the infusion of money into the local economy,” he added.

Leonardia’s Executive Order No. 73 sets the curfew in Bacolod City from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., but the mayor said it could be shortened in mid-December.

Shopping malls and commercial centers in Bacolod City have been allowed to operate provided they comply with health protocols.

Businesses allowed to operate at only 50-percent capacity are barber shops, salons and other personal care service establishments, dine-in restaurants, fast food and food retail establishments, including those in supermarkets, grocery stores and food preparation establishments.

Also allowed to operate at 50 percent of their capacity are language, driving, dance, acting and voice schools, cinemas, theaters, libraries, museums, cultural centers, tourist destinations, tattoo and body piercing shops, and live events.

‘Under control’

In Negros Occidental, provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz said the COVID-19 situation in the province was “under control,” contrary to a report of a research team that tagged it as an area of concern.

“The COVID-19 situation in Negros Occidental is still good. It is not out of control. There is nothing to worry about,” he said.

The Octa Research Group that has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country recently tagged Negros Occidental as among the “provinces of concern.”

Diaz disputed the claim of the research team, saying, “We know better what is happening on the ground.”

“The situation is under control because of the continued monitoring, testing and isolation of those found to be COVID-19 positive in the province,” he added.