BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
With the increase in numbers of local government units placed under COVID-19 Alert Level 1, Provincial Inter Agency Task Force action officer Rayfrando Diaz yesterday called on LGUs that have yet to reach the required percentage of vaccination set by the Department of Health, to step up their campaign and assist the province in reaching those needed to be inoculated.
Ten LGUs in Negros Occidental, composed of highly urbanized Bacolod City, component cities of Cadiz, Sagay, La Carlota and Victorias, as well as municipalities of EB Magalona, Candoni, Pontevedra, San Enrique and Pulupandan, were placed under Alert Level 1 from June 16 to 30 by IATF.
Now that classification is being done per LGU, I think that gives emphasis to LGUs to cooperate with our provincial vaccination drive. Unless their vaccination percentage increases, their activities will still be limited, Diaz said.
Under Alert Level 1, the Inter Agency Task 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.
While the vaccines and vaccinators are from the province, the vaccinees should come from LGUs, Diaz said, stressing also that it is incumbent upon local government officials to show their performance.
Mayor Salvador Escalante has mixed emotions over the inclusion of Cadiz City among nine local government units in Negros Occidental placed by the Inter Agency Task Force under COVID-19 Alert Level 1, starting yesterday until June 30.
While he is happy that IATF downgraded the alert level classification of Cadiz City, Escalante however said he is worried that the lifting of restrictions may also cause a spike in cases, noting that social gatherings such as fiestas could now be held.
Cadiz City is marking its 55th charter day celebration from July 1 to 5, where various activities have been lined up, including the ceremonial oath taking of its newly elected officials headed by Escalante.*
