BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental is looking into the possibility of having COVID-19 alert level classification per local government unit.
This was after the Department of Health-Western Visayas suggested that Alert Level classification should be done per LGU and not by province.
Provincial Inter Agency Task Force action officer Rayfrando Diaz, who shared the sentiments of DOH-6, noted that there are LGUs that performed well and already exceeded their minimum targets forCOVID-19 vaccination.
We want them also to enjoy the results of their hard work especially that 70 to 80 percent of their population is already vaccinated, Diaz said.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier said that he expects Negros Occidental to remain under Alert Level 2 until next month.
Records of the Provincial Health Office show that La Carlota City recorded a vaccination rate of 85 percent, Pulupandan – 82 percent, Cadiz City – 77 percent, San Enrique – 76 percent, E.B. Magalona – 75 percent, Sagay City – 74 percent, Talisay City and Murcia – 73 percent each, Pontevedra, Victorias City and Silay City with 72 percent each and Candoni – 70 percent.
Diaz said that having alert level classification per LGU will serve as encouragement to others to strive to reach and enjoy Alert Level 1.
He added that they are hoping for the approval of the DOH and the National Inter-Agency Task Force for this approach.
PHO records further showed that Negros Occidental is 65.62 percent vaccinated.
The number of COVID-19 active cases, health care utilization and vaccination accomplishment serve as the basis of DOH for issuance of alert level classifications.*
