Capitol steps up preparations, protocols against COVID-19

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – The provincial government of Negros Occidental has stepped up its preparations and introduced protocols against the coronavirus disease or COVID-19.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that as of March 12, 2020, the province has already recorded 133 “persons under monitoring” (PUMs), with 69 already completing their quarantine.

PUMs are patients who did not show signs and symptoms of COVID-19 but travelled to areas with confirmed cases.

“As I speak right now we are still negative for COVID-19, but unfortunately our neighboring province (Negros Orienta) has already reported one,” he said.

Lacson told members of the media that he would release an executive order declaring all individuals originating from Metro Manila as PUMs.

Lacson said all PUMs will be asked to go on 14-day quarantine.

There would also be a suspension of all major public events as per discretion of the local chief executives, and protocols will be disseminated by the Provincial Health Office.

The provincial government is also trying to identify which place would be best made as a holding or quarantine area.

The Department of Education in Negros Occidental has also agreed to end the school year by March 20, and they will also abide by the decision of the local chief executives.

“We have to be responsible Negrenses. If not, maybe it’s your relatives that will get sick with COVID-19 and that is precisely what we are trying to avoid,” Lacson said.

When asked if the Panaad sa Negros 2020 will proceed, Lacson said he will make the announcement on Wednesday.