After several city residents refused to stay home during curfew hours, which the Bacolod City government set from 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m., along with individuals arriving from areas affected by the coronavirus disease, or Covid-19, not yet coordinating with local barangay officials, two city barangays are appealing for local residents to cooperate with the implementation of quarantine measures against the virus.
Barangay Alijis Captain Deogracias dela Vega said they held a meeting yesterday with local computer shop and billiard hall owners, who agreed to close by 9:00 p.m., an hour before the curfew begins.
In addition, he also said several individuals in his barangay have been asking for food after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered barangay captains to provide food for their respective communities; however, the barangay official clarified, the order only pertains to those under lockdown in Luzon.
He explained, they can provide relief supplies to persons under monitoring since they are quarantined and not allowed to go outside to acquire their usual supplies.
Meanwhile, dela Vega said they initiated information drives such as providing fliers reminding people to avoid physical contact and to frequently wash their hands. Additionally, he appealed for those who have recently returned home from areas affected by Covid-19 to inform their respective barangay officials in order for them to provide assistance and coordinate with the Bacolod City Health Office.
In Barangay Singcang-Airport, Barangay Captain Rosinie Distrito confirmed reports that surfaced on social media claiming a chase ensued in the neighborhood between barangay tanod and several minors who refused to return home.
Distrito said, following the incident, he called a meeting with local internet cafe owners and ordered them to close an hour prior to curfew time.
The barangay official also said shop owners were ordered to provide disinfectants such as alcohol to their customers, while clientele must wear facemasks and practice social distancing when on premises.
While minors are still allowed to enter computer shops, they are required to show written authorization from their parents and are only limited to contacting family and friends on social media.
Distrito added, they are distributing sanitation kits and vitamins to local persons under monitoring with barangay health workers visiting them everyday during their 14-day quarantine period./DGB, WDJ