By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said he is eyeing to ease the current curfew hours in the province as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to drop.

Based on the latest data released by the Provincial Incident Management Team (PIMT) as of May 19, the province currently has 1,330 active COVID-19 cases.

But Lacson said there is still a need for vigilance and strict observance of contact tracing and minimum health protocols.

The governor said as soon as the number of active cases drops to 1,000, only then they may consider lowering the current curfew hours of 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

“We will do it slowly, but it will still depend on the numbers,” Lacson said.

As for the tourism operations in the province such as resorts, Lacson said he would leave the decision to the local chief executives if they will allow their reopening, while those who are still finding it difficult to control the cases should remain closed until their situation improves.

Resorts and beaches that will be allowed to reopen are also advised by the governor to follow the recommended 30 percent capacity, adding the local government units should remain cautious./DGB, WDJ