ANOTHER employee at the Bacolod Government Center in Bacolod City has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), an official said.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, chairperson of the Bacolod City Inter-Agency Task Force against Covid-19, said on Thursday, August 13, 2020, the employee was assigned at the Public Affairs and Assistance Division (PAAD).

The employee underwent a swab test on August 10 and its result, which is positive, was released on August 12.

Since last week, two employees assigned at the Land Tax Division, who were tested positive for Covid-19, have died. Six of their co-workers also tested positive for the virus.

Familiaran said of the 61 barangays in the city, most of the barangays have local transmission of Covid-19.

He said some puroks in various barangays where the Covid-19 patients lived are also locked down.

“We have now more cases of local transmission, so we need the cooperation of everybody here,” he added.

As of August 13, Bacolod City has a total of 421 confirmed cases. Of the number, 297 are active cases, 115 recovered cases and nine deaths.

Meanwhile, Familiaran said they will hold a meeting with Mayor Evelio Leonardia, City Health Office and doctors to discuss the new memorandum circular issued by the Department of Health for not requiring the Covid-19 patients, who were asymptomatic, a re-swabbing after the 14-day quarantine period.

He said this will include the locally stranded individuals and repatriated overseas Filipino workers.