By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental provincial government will be allocating P33.5 million towards the prevention and control of the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV). Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the funding will be sourced from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council budget.

He noted, Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office head, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, requested a P3.5 million budget for protective medical equipment, along with P30 million for the construction of isolation rooms at district hospitals.

In addition, Tumimbang explained, the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Regional Hospital would be congested if nCoV cases increase and, by establishing additional isolation rooms, it will allow other hospitals to accommodate patients under investigation for the virus.

Lacson also revealed he may sign an executive order today activating the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) and creating an nCoV task force in order to monitor individuals entering the province from China and other areas affected by the virus. As of press time, the order was being prepared by provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz.

In addition, Provincial Disaster Management Program Division head Zephard Caelian revealed they have already begun necessary preparations in case there are more patients under investigation.

He added, infectious disease emergency response training, led by the Provincial Health Office and Hospital Operations Department, for nurses assigned to quarantine areas will be conducted next week.

Earlier this week, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued memos to barangay officials; City Health Office head, Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli; and Bacolod City Police Office director, Police Colonel Henry Biñas, regarding the creation and mobilization of BHERT in the city./DGB, WDJ