By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental provincial government  has stepped up preparations and introduced protocols against the coronavirus disease, or Covid-19. During a meeting of the province’s inter-agency task force, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson informed those gathered, as of March 12, the province has recorded 133 patients under monitoring with 69 already completing their quarantine.
“As I speak, right now, we are still negative for Covid-19,” the governor said. “Unfortunately our neighboring province has already reported one.”
Following the meeting, Lacson faced members of the media and revealed plans to issue an executive order declaring all individuals originating from Metro Manila as “under monitoring.”
He pointed out, they will be asked to go on a 14-day quarantine.
“There will also be a suspension of all major public events as per discretion of the local chief executives,” the governor added. “Protocols will be disseminated by the Provincial Health Office.”
The provincial government is also trying to identify a holding, or quarantine, area.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education in Negros Occidental agreed to end the school year by March 20 and abide by decisions from local chief executives.
“We have to be responsible Negrenses,” the governor said. “If not, maybe it’s your relatives that will get sick with Covid-19 and that is precisely what we are trying to avoid.”
When asked if this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival will proceed, he said he will make the announcement on Wednesday.
Earlier, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued four executive orders declaring an early end to the school year in the city, as well as protocols on social distancing.
The mayor also suspended commencement exercises at all levels until further notice./DGB, WDJ