BACOLOD City – Almost 1,800 vendors in Libertad, Central and Burgos markets in this city joined the “surveillance testing” for possible coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the move was part of the planned programs of the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), whose “decisive actions are gaining favorable results and progressive momentum as of this time.”
City Administrator Em Ang, executive director of the EOC, said the surveillance testing on Saturday was successful.
Based on EOC’s record, a total of 1,786 vendors underwent swabbing, including transient vendors.
“The day before the testing, about 1,200 stall and store owners of the three major markets signified to participate,” Ang said.
Only vendors who underwent free diagnostic test were issued a permission ticket or market pass to gain access to their stalls inside the markets or allowed to sell at the market premises.
Those who cooperated also had their stalls posted with the “compliant” sign.
According to Ang, in the event vendors would turn out positive for COVID-19, they will be extracted for quarantine.
While under isolation, infected vendors may continue their business in the markets through their designated in-charge who have tested negative or through any other designated person, provided the latter also undergo the same diagnostic test, Ang said.
“This measure will enable us to assure the public that it is safe to go to our markets,” the City Administrator pointed out.
Meanwhile, some vendors mounted a protest in Libertad market while the testing was ongoing.
The initial mandatory surveillance testing for the market vendors was set on Oct. 10, after Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, chairman of the city inter-agency task force, visited the markets and met with the vendors earlier this week./PN
