DON Salvador Benedicto (DSB), the summer capital of the province of Negros Occidental, started to get herded by local tourists who enjoy their leeway under the general community quarantine (GCQ).
DSB is home to restaurants, cafes, and eateries situated in delightful mountainous sceneries with mostly chilling weather conditions.
Mayor Lawrence Marxlen dela Cruz acknowledged the people's desire to go out and relive their social life after more than three months of home confinement and isolation from social interaction, but he reminded the public to also observe the LGUs health protocol when they visit the town for a leisure trip to ensure public safety while enjoying outdoor escapade.
DSB is surrounded by mountains where natural resources abound.
Air is healthier due to the enhanced oxygen coming from trees. It is a good source to strengthen one's immune system which can help thwart the coronavirus disease.
"Tourists can breathe freely as long as there is social distancing. We have vast lands to enjoy the fresh air. But I just would like to enjoin everyone to be responsible enough in observing health protocol when you visit our town," he said.
He directed all tourist spot owners to help the LGU implement the health protocol within their area by requiring visitors to wear face masks and observe social distancing.
Violations will be acted accordingly, Mayor dela Cruz said.
The Local Government of Don Salvador Benedicto likewise strengthens its preparation to accommodate additional locally stranded individuals (LSIs) who are set to come home to the town.
Mayor Lawrence Marxlen dela Cruz met with the Punong Barangays at the town hall on June 29 to discuss the status and further plans to address the concerns on the LSIs.
Despite the moratorium on the LSIs, the DSB LGU plans as LSIs are surely coming home.
Mayor dela Cruz said that it is the constitutional right of every resident to come home thus the LGU that he or she resides should prepare for the proper management of their return to the town by subjecting them to RT-CPR and 14-day mandatory quarantine.
He also would like to ensure both the safety of the LSIs and the medical team dealing with them, thus medical supplies and personnel protective equipment should be available.
Service vehicles will also be ensured including the safety of LSIs, the medical team and the driver.
DSB has 48 LSIs who underwent their swab tests. Thirty-eight of them have negative results while the 10 others are still awaiting their swab test result.