INTER-AGENCY Task Force (IATF) deputy chief implementer for the Visayas Melquiades Feliciano and Bacolod City IATF urged all the market vendors in the city to undergo swab test and to impose strict health protocols in the public markets.

Feliciano, along with his wife, Mia, the members of the Bacolod City IATF, Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Councilor Renecito Novero, City Administrator Em Ang, City Health Officer Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, Department of Health (DOH)-Central Visayas chief pathologist Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, DOH-Central Visayas chief medical technologist Prince Balaba, and the representatives of public markets associations in Bacolod City held a meeting at the MassKara Hall in Bacolod City Government Center on Monday, September 21.

Novero, chairman of the city's quarantine center action team, said all the market vendors should undergo swab tests and implement strict health protocols at the entrance and exit of the markets to prevent spread of Covid-19.

"We encourage them to undergo swab tests including the members of their respective associations to ensure that they are negative for the virus. For now, the most crowded place in Bacolod City is the public market so we need to prevent the transmission of the virus," he said.

He added the representatives of the market vendors also agreed to undergo swab tests that will be held this week.

Novero noted that the swab test will be voluntary and it will be conducted by the CHO along with the medical technologist from Cebu City.

Novero said Dr. Loreche and Dr. Balaba, both from Cebu City, also vowed to help Bacolod City in the fight against Covid-19.

"They will help us to process the specimen and we are thankful that they are offering their assistance," he said.