By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The city government of Bacolod has started making preparations over the possible entry of the Delta coronavirus variant.

Last Friday night, Mayor Evelio Leonardia called for an emergency meeting with the officials of the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) in order to discuss the measures.

The Delta variant, which was first detected in India in February, is considered as more transmissible and more infectious.

City Administrator Em Ang, executive director of EOC-TF, cited reports of the Delta variant being detected in Western Visayas.

Leonardia has already made an appeal to the public for their support and cooperation, especially as the city is currently under the general community quarantine with heightened restrictions.

“Please strictly observe our existing health protocols and regulations,” he added.

On Saturday, July 17, Bacolod City reported 148 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total active cases in the city to 1,448.

The city also recorded 12,846 recoveries and 336 deaths./DGB, WDJ