BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that he has no intention to close the borders of Negros Occidental with the detection of two COVID-19 Omicron subvariant cases in Western Visayas.
“It’s too early for that. Let’s just protect ourselves and do our share,” Lacson said.
But he stressed the need to closely monitor the Omicron subvariant, adding that it was detected not only in Western Visayas, but in other areas of the country as well.
This is not a community transmission where the infection is already so widespread that linkages cannot be traced anymore, according to Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire
Lacson noted that admission in hospitals of patients infected by the subvariant are very low, stressing that it could be a very mild case.
The Provincial Incident Management reported two more COVID-19 active cases, bringing to 12 the number of cases, as of May 18.
Lacson also said that S-Pass is not a requirement for vaccinated travelers entering Bacolod-Silay airport, although they should prepare their vaccination cards, if asked.
But unvaccinated travelers will have to be subjected to rapid antigen testing upon arrival at the airport or seaport.
Negros Occidental remains under Alert Level 2, except for Bacolod City, EB Magalona, Pulupandan, San Enrique, Candoni, cities of Sagay, Victorias and La Carlota, which are now under Alert Level 1 until May 31.*
