BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson of Negros Occidental warned of a possible return to a province-wide general community quarantine (GCQ) if coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases continue to rise.
According to Lacson, the number of COVID-19 patients in the province rose to 254 on Friday, with 228 cases being repatriated overseas workers and stranded residents from Metro Manila and Cebu.
“I hope we will not go back to a stricter mode. But we have to do what we have to do” said Lacson, citing the recent report of health authorities confirming local transmission in Negros Occidental.
The national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force on July 15 placed the province and the rest of Western Visayas under “moderate risk” modified GCQ at least until the end of the month.
While supporting this move, Lacson underscored the need to control the increase of local transmission.
“To put us under low risk will give a false sense of security for Negrenses,” he pointed out.
Lacson called on Negrenses to be extra careful and follow health protocols such as social distancing and wearing of facemasks.
“If you have to go out because of work or buy essentials, let us really protect ourselves,” Lacson stressed./PN
