BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The provincial government of Negros Occidental is bracing for a possible surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections as the holiday season draws near.
Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, provincial administrator, said many Negrenses are expected to come home in the coming weeks to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their families.
“With all the gatherings this December, we are bracing for another spike,” Diaz said, adding that they are now monitoring the COVID-19 metrics in the province.
He hopes the projected spike won’t be serious and would only last for two days at the most.
“Health protocols such as screening new arrivals at the Bacolod-Silay Airport and Bredco Port are being done, along with the mandatory quarantine in their respective local government units. But it can’t be avoided that some may still be able to pass through without undergoing tests,” said Diaz.
When a surge happens, Diaz feared that hospitals may not be able to provide the best medical service.
He stressed that the responsibility does not rest solely on the government, reiterating his reminder to the public to limit gatherings to household members, avoid social events and defer travel plans.
Based on the Dec. 6 data of the Department of Health, Negros Occidental has a total of 5,907 COVID-cases, 966 of which are active, 4,810 recovered and 96 died./PN
