BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that there is no need to close Negros Occidental borders in relation to the detection of five more cases of Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 in Western Visayas, as reported by the Department of Health.
Lacson only reminded Negrenses that COVID-19 is still around, and to continue to protect themselves by strict adherence to the minimum health protocols.
Of the additional cases, DOH said it is composed of three returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) from the United States and two local cases. The infected persons were fully vaccinated, have already completed their isolation and are already deemed to have recovered.
DOH-WV reports showed that Negros Occidental has a total of 128 active cases, with 56 cases reported in Bacolod City, as of June 1.
Lacson earlier issued an executive order extending Alert Level 2 status in Negros Occidental until June 15, except for the cities of Sagay, Victorias and La Carlota, municipalities of EB Magalona, Candoni, Pulupandan and San Enrique.
As the provincial government of Negros Occidental also stepped up its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, Lacson announced yesterday said that they are offering cash incentives to barangay health workers able to convince Negrenses to get their second dose.
At the same time, Lacson said they are giving five kilos of rice to those who agree to be inoculated, especially the senior citizens, during the 8-day provincewide-initiated vaccination activities.
The Negros Occidental Provincial Vaccination activities started June 2 and 3, and will continue on June 9, 10, 16, 17, as well as 20 and 21.
For every individual that a BHW convinces to be fully vaccinated, Lacson said they will receive P25.
He said the provincial government is relying on the local government units, especially BHWs, who have been tasked to convince the unvaccinated individuals in their respective communities to be inoculated.*
