By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has agreed to retain the province’s modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) status following a meeting with officials from the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF) in Western Visayas, although stricter restrictions will be imposed.

Even though the number of active COVID-19 cases are now on the decline in the province and the Department of Health (DOH) tagged the province as “low risk” for COVID-19, Lacson pointed out to the RIATF that social gatherings will still be allowed but will be limited to a maximum of 30 percent of the venue’s capacity.

Lacson also admitted that despite the lowering numbers there are still times that the cases suddenly spike just like in other local government units in the region.

The governor also reported that vaccine interest in the province is steadily growing, although there are still those who remain hesitant such as those belonging to the senior citizen group or the A2 category.

Meanwhile, after learning that the National Capital Region plus bubble already started vaccinating other frontline economic workers or the A4 category, Lacson said he is currently seeking advice if Negros Occidental can also start rolling out vaccination for those under the A4 priority group.

He also pointed out that the quick distribution of vaccines would also depend on the supply given out by the national government.

Earlier on Monday, June 7, Negros Occidental received a shipment of 16,800 CoronaVac jabs manufactured by Chinese biotech company Sinovac.

As of June 9, Negros Occidental is still inoculating those under the A1 (frontline health workers), A2 (senior citizens) and A3 (persons with comorbidities) categories./DGB, WDJ