BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A 4-day province wide vaccination activity that aims to increase further the number of inoculated individuals in Negros Occidental, was proposed by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Health experts warned of an uptick of COVID-19 cases in the country to as high as 500 cases per day, in areas with low vaccination coverage.
Tumimbang said the existence of Omicron subvariant in Iloilo is a “cause of concern” due to its proximity to Negros Occidental, which already opened its borders, with less restrictions to incoming travelers.
While we cannot close our borders, he stressed the need to closely monitor those entering the province from Iloilo, especially those arriving at Bacolod City ports.
The idea of having a simultaneous province-wide vaccination activities was discussed by Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz and Tumimbang.
Negros Occidental remains under Alert Level 2, with the exception of Bacolod City, EB Magalona, Pulupandan, San Enrique, Candoni, cities of Sagay, Victorias and La Carlota, which have been placed under Alert Level 1.
Tumimbang also stressed the need to lower the alert level of other LGUs so that the whole Negros Occidental can be placed under Alert Level 1.
The COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, Tumimbang pointed out, noting that the people have already been complacent due to dwindling of cases in the past few weeks.
The proposed four-day successive province wide vaccination will cater those who have yet to be vaccinated, as well as those to receive second doses and booster shots, he added.
As of May 19, the Provincial Incident Management Team reported 12 COVID-19 active cases in Negros Occidental.*
