BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The municipal government of La Castellana in Negros Occidental is confident it will be able to hurdle some setbacks in its vaccination campaign against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Mayor Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan admitted that the town’s pace of vaccination slowed down.
The municipal government has so far vaccinated over 50 percent of its target population.
In the barangays located at the town proper, the vaccination rate is higher – between 70 percent to 90 percent, according to the mayor.
The bulk of the still unvaccinated are in far-flung areas, particularly barangays in the mountains, said Mangilimutan.
To address the vaccination slowdown, Manguilimutan said the local government would send doctors and nurses of the Municipal Health Office to far-flung areas.
As for new COVID-19 cases, Manguilimutan said they have only recorded one case – a young patient who had likely gotten the illness after visiting a hospital.
The patient is already and receiving assistance from the municipal government, said Manguilimutan.
When asked if the town will be able to celebrate the Bailes de Luces Festival in December, Manguilimutan said it is possible as long as COVID-19 cases remain low.
Negros Occidental remains under COVID-19 Alert Level 2. Of its 19 municipalities and 12 component cities, only the following are under Alert Level 1: the towns of EB Magalona (Saravia), Pulupandan and San Enrique and the component cities of La Carlota and Sagay.
Under Alert Level 1, which is described by the Department of Health as the new normal, intrazonal and interzonal travel are allowed regardless of age and comorbidities.
All establishments, persons or activities are permitted to operate, work, or be done at full onsite capacity, provided that health standards are observed.
In person or “face-to-face” classes for basic education will be subject to the approval of the Office of the President.
Under Alert Level 2, on the other hand, intrazonal and interzonal movement are allowed but subject to reasonable restrictions that the local government units may impose.
Select establishments or activities are permitted to operate at a maximum of 50 percent indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and 70 percent outdoor capacity./PN
