THE Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas has recommended strengthened border controls in order to control the possible entry of the Covid-19 Delta variant.

Dr. Anna Lisa Ong, DOH pediatric infectious diseases specialist, said aside from border control, local government units (LGU) should also monitor all endorsed arrivals and the implementation of localized and granular lockdowns.

Ong also recommended strengthening the Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate strategy to prevent the Delta variant from spreading out of control.

She also stressed the need for stricter compliance of minimum health standards such as wearing face masks and face shields and observing social distancing.

The LGUs were also advised that no mass gatherings should be observed as they have the potential to become a superspreader event.

Last week, both the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City have reimposed travel restrictions due to the threat posed by the Delta variant.