NEGROS Occidental will downgrade its Covid-19 measure to general community quarantine starting May 1, Friday.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said they will follow the recommendation made by the National Inter-Agency Task Force against Covid-19 since Negros Occidental and Bacolod City were assessed to be under "moderate risk."

Lacson clarified that those who are 60 years old and above are still not allowed to go out, as well as those who are 20 years old and below. It means only 21 to 59 years old will be allowed to go out to buy essentials even without passes. There are still limitations under the GCQ.

Lacson said he will issue an executive order for the implementation of the general community quarantine.

The governor also pointed out the response of Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, wherein all local government units must follow the recommendation of the national government's inter-agency task force.

Lacson also held a video conference with the local mayors in the province on Monday, April 27, regarding the downgrade and what policies will be implemented under a general quarantine.

The governor also stated border checkpoints will continue in every town or city in the province. Some business establishments will also be allowed to re-open, although their operations will be limited.

As for the province's mass public transport, Lacson said they will await the directives from the Department of Transportation.

Rayfrando Diaz, provincial administrator, said they are still finalizing the content of the executive order for the approval of the governor.

PNP personnel in towns and cities will still be around to monitor the peoples movement.

Lacson also said that border control will still be in status quo which means nobody from Negros Oriental can just come in for any reason.