ABOUT 600 Negrense locally stranded individuals (LSIs) are expected to return on December 20, 2020, through the Bacolod- Silay Airport, lawyer Rayfrando Diaz, provincial administrator, said Wednesday, December 16, 2020.
This after Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson approved the request of airline companies to have additional flights, Diaz said.
Both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific will have one inbound and outbound flight on that day, he added.
AirAsia will retain its current flight schedule.
"We are bracing for all the logistical challenges. Our team is preparing and ready to swab all those who will be coming in," Diaz said.
He added they will be temporarily housed at the Silay Healing Center, which is currently being cleaned by Capitol personnel to be ready for the arrivals on Sunday.
Diaz reiterated that all LSIs will remain in the province's quarantine facilities until their test results for the coronavirus will come out, as part of the protocol of the provincial government.
He also lauded the 31 towns and cities of Negros Occidental for strictly implementing their health protocols.
"Some LGUs are strict even if one comes from within the province. If you can't show a negative RT- PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test, they will not let you enter their borders," Diaz said.
The Capitol is adjusting to all unexpected incidents, he also said.
Diaz said the governor has given instructions to accommodate all returning LSIs who want to come home during the holidays to be with their families.
"We will take care of them as long as there is space in our quarantine facilities. Nobody will be turned down," he said.