TO PREVENT the entry of the Covid-19 Delta variant, the City Government of Bacolod still requires all authorized persons outside of residence (Apors), including fully vaccinated individuals, to present negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results.

This was stressed by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, chairman of Bacolod City Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), on Friday, July 30, 2021, after more than 100 Delta variant cases were detected in the country.

“We still require all Apors including fully vaccinated [individuals] coming from outside Western Visayas to present negative RT-PCR test results, except government Apors. We are doing this to prevent the entry of the Covid-19 Delta variant here,” he said.

He added the city government also intensified the vaccination against Covid-19 in various barangays in the city, noting that the city is now accommodating priority groups A1 to A5.

“We need the cooperation of everybody here to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Follow the health protocols and let’s participate in vaccination program since it’s for free,” Familiaran said.

He said Bacolod City is still placed under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions from August 1 to 15. After August 15, the NIATF will also evaluate the city’s situation and issue another quarantine status.

“Let’s do our part to prevent the spread of the virus. Always wear face masks, face shields and observe the social distancing,” he added.

As of July 29, Bacolod City had a total of 15,245 Covid-19 cases. Of the number, 13,661 patients already recovered, 1,223 active cases with 358 deaths.