NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson revealed plans Monday, July 19, of requiring negative RP-PCR test results before entry to the province, including those from Panay, amid reports that the Delta variant of Covid-19 is already in Western Visayas.
"If the situation calls for it we might require again a negative RT-PCR test before entry to the province. We are closely monitoring the Delta variant of Covid-19. Depending on the situation," Lacson said.
Lacson said Monday, July 19, that he wants to know the current situation in Panay island, especially in the Province of Antique, with regards to the threat of the Delta variant of Covid-19.
Last week, the Philippine Genome Center and Department of Health (DOH) released its findings confirming that two residents of Antique have tested positive for the Delta variant in the month of May, with one eventually passing away, while another recovered.
Lacson said he is wondering as to why the report surfaced late and pointed out it is possible they might again require travelers entering the province to present a negative RT-PCR test, especially those coming from Panay Island.
The governor said they are closely monitoring the situation to confirm if there are any additional cases of the Delta variant in Western Visayas.
"It will depend on the situation especially in Panay as it is where the confirmed the Delta variant was detected," Lacson said.
Lacson again stated that in the event that the Delta variant enters Negros Occidental and quickly spreads out of control just like what happened in India and Indonesia, the province's health care system might collapse.
He pointed out prevention is the only way to control the variant, adding the public should strictly adhere to minimum health protocols.
Lacson also said they will also further expedite the release of the Covid-19 vaccines, as they have been advised that they are still very effective in preventing variants of the Covid-19 including Delta.
Meanwhile, due to the threats posed by the Delta variant, Lacson said he has decided to maintain the status quo for minors preventing them from going out in public.
The national Inter-Agency Task Force had earlier allowed minors to go out in public as long as they are accompanied by their parents or guardians.
But the national IATF is currently reviewing the protocols again due to the threat of the Delta variant.