GOVERNOR Eugenio Jose Lacson said there is no need yet for a mass testing of the more than 3, 000 employees of the provincial government of Negros Occidental.

Lacson made the position amid the rise of local transmission of coronavirus.

"We have three positive employees and all contacts have been declared negative. No need for mass testing," Lacson said.

Local transmission of Covid-19 spiked in the province in the last two weeks raising concerns that Negros Occidental may be the next epicenter of the virus.

Reached for his reaction, Renelo Lastierre, president of the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE), said, "We agree with the statement of the governor."

"The provincial government of Negros Occidental is consistent in monitoring the welfare and protection of its workers against Covid-19. We are grateful that the provincial government is taking care of its employees by providing us supplies of face mask and face shield," he said.

Lastierre added that "contact tracing is properly monitored to avoid the harsh effect of Covid-19 in the paralization of public services in case the Capitol is affected."