THE Bacolod City Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) urged the business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in Bacolod City to promote good health, safety and protection of its employees.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, chairperson of Bacolod City IATF, said that with the recent increase of the local transmission cases of Covid-19 in Bacolod, they strongly encourage BPO companies to promote wellness among workers.

He said to reduce the transmission of Covid-19, workers and employers in the private sectors are mandated to observe strict health protocols as the community quarantine remains in effect.

“Please be guided accordingly of the Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of Covid-19 issued jointly by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment requiring workers and employers to follow total precautionary measures as we fight the pandemic,” he added.

As of August 8, Bacolod City has a total of 368 Covid-19 cases with nine deaths.

"It's now getting worse and worse and I don't know what other measures will do to prevent the spread of the virus. We are now exhausted so we are asking the cooperation of the public. Your safety is in your hands," Familiaran said.

He said it's expected that by December, the Covid-19 cases in Bacolod will reach thousands because of the local transmission.