Mayor claims mass testing a success

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the mass testing of residents in Bacolod City conducted Friday and Saturday amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was a success.

The mass testing was a joint undertaking of the city with the Negros Occidental provincial government during the so-called “Timeout Weekend.”

It was meant to address the surge in COVID-19 cases through local transmission.

Based on data released by the City Health Office (CHO), 4,384 individuals were tested from Aug 27 to 29.

Leonardia thanked the cooperation of the city’s residents, those who submitted themselves for testing, and the participation of various government agencies in implementing the mass testing in the city.

Leonardia also issued Executive Order No. 56, series of 2020 which lifted the four-day no movement policy mandated by Executive Order No. 55 from Aug 28-31 to give way to the mass testing.

Leonardia said the city will also reinstitute the use of Home Quarantine Passes starting Sept 3-15, which will be distributed to each household in Bacolod City.

Current border and check-up points will also be maintained.

The mayor also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go who immediately responded to his appeal for augmentation of medical personnel and supplies for Bacolod.

COVID cases in the city as of this writing is 977 with 500 active cases, 459 recoveries and 18 deaths.