By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Mayor Neil Lizares of Talisay City, Negros Occidental has ordered the strict implementation of health protocols in the city following a noted spike in the number of coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, cases.

In a post made by the mayor, he said there will be strict implementation of the correct use of face masks and face shields in public areas.

A curfew will also be strictly observed from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

In order to properly observe social distancing protocols, the city government will limit the number of people going inside the Talisay City Public Market to only 150 people.

The public market will also observe a “no face mask, no face shield, no entry” policy and it will be closed every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. starting January 31 in order to carry out disinfection of the premises.

Lizares also warned violators that they will be apprehended and penalized.

As of January 21, Talisay City has 661 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 10 are tagged as active and 628 have already recovered. The city also recorded 23 deaths.

Barangay Zone 12-A in the city currently has the highest number of active cases with four, while barangays Zone 1, 2, 5, 10, 14, and 15 have one case each./DGB, WDJ