By Darlene Delgado

In a bid to curb the recent surge of the cases of coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, the Negros Occidental provincial government has enforced stricter border controls with the province of Negros Oriental.

In Executive Order (EO) No. 21-30 Series of 2021 issued by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday afternoon, all non-essential travel of persons originating from Negros Oriental into the province shall not be allowed starting 12:00 a.m. of June 15 until 11:59 p.m. of June 30, 2021.

It added that the previous EOs regulating the entry of Mabinay, Negros Oriental residents into Kabankalan City, entry of Basay residents into Hinoba-an town and the entry of Canlaon City and Vallehermoso residents into San Carlos City will remain in full force and effect.

The EO further stated that all beaches, resorts and water parks in the province will be closed from June 23 to 25 coinciding with the celebration of the feast of St. John the Baptist.

This decision was agreed by all mayors in the province during a Zoom meeting on Friday, June 11.

Lacson said the closure is aimed in preventing mass gatherings in beaches and mountain resorts in Negros Occidental.

St. John the Baptist Feast is marked by Catholics by visiting resorts and tossing water at each other.

Meanwhile, gatherings of up to 30 percent of the seating or venue capacity in economic and commercial establishments in Negros Occidental are allowed.

Based on the Department of Health 6 COVID Case Bulletin No. 444 issued yesterday, Negros Occidental recorded 152 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total active cases in the province to 2,379./WDJ