BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Some towns and cities in Negros Occidental were reporting zero cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for almost a week now, according to the Provincial Incident Management Team (PIMT).
“We are on the right track. I hope amu na gid ni ang end sang aton penitensya,” said Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz.
As of yesterday, active COVID-19 cases in Negros Occidental were down to 166, he revealed.
Diaz was hopeful that by March 16 once the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) issues its new COVID-19 alert levels, Negros Occidental will be downgraded to Alert Level 1 or the “new normal” status.
Under Alert Level 1, the IATF said there are no restrictions in terms of indoor and outdoor capacities. Everyone can undertake intrazonal and interzonal travel without regard to age and even comorbidities.
All establishments, persons, or activities are likewise allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at total on-site or venue seating capacity, provided these are consistent with minimum public health standards.
All private offices and workplaces, including public and private construction sites, may operate at full 100 percent capacity, consistent with national issuances on vaccination requirements for onsite work. However, they may continue to provide flexible and alternative work arrangements as deemed appropriate based on function or individual risk.
Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall likewise adhere to 100 percent onsite workforce. Offsite work shall be under such work arrangements subject to relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the President.
Meanwhile, face-to-face classes for primary education shall be subject to prior approval of the Office of the President.
In total since March of 2020, COVID-19 cases in Negros Occidental hit 41,197 with 39,082 recoveries and 1,948 deaths./PN
