BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental has prohibited all local government employees from going on official travel outside the city.
In a recent memorandum order, Escalante said the move was part of precautionary measures against the alarming rate of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) local transmissions in Negros Occidental, particularly in Bacolod City.
Although the order only covers for the city’s employees, Escalante also urged local residents to the same.
“There is no alternative to following health protocols such as wearing of face mask, observing personal hygiene at all times including use of disinfectants as well as following rules on social distancing,” Escalante reiterated.
“It also pays to stay informed all the time so it is imperative that they know the latest announcements from their respective barangays and the local government,” he added.
In his memorandum, Escalante explained that when delivery of documents to offices or agencies outside According to Escalante, department heads and employees are required to utilize the Philippine Postal Service or any reputable private courier to perform the task
Documents, he said, may also be sent through email.
“All employees are strictly prohibited from holding or attending meetings in ang government or private offices outside of Cadiz City, substituting the same with online meeting platforms in conducting or attending these meetings,” Escalante added.
The order, however, does not apply to emergency services, patient or travel of locally stranded individuals and other COVID-19 related initiatives of the city government.
Escalante said all personnel performing official functions will be provided by the city government, through the City Health Office and the local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, with personal protective equipment./PN
