By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Travel protocols in Negros Occidental are at status quo even as the threat of the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues in neighboring provinces.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in a text message over the weekend, said that this means that only essential travel is allowed and a negative RT- PCR test result is required for all inbound travelers.

On Saturday, August 7, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order 71- A that imposed a temporary suspension of all inbound air and sea travel to the regional capital effective August 9 to 15 from areas others than Panay and Negros island.

Earlier on Friday, the Department of Health (DOH) announced that 31 more cases of Delta variant were detected in Western Visayas.

These were considered local transmissions, the DOH said. Most of them have reportedly recovered.

Of the new Delta cases in the region, 19 were from the province of Antique, two from Capiz, three from Iloilo City, and seven from Iloilo province.

These were part of the 99 samples submitted to the Philippine Genome Center for genomic sequencing on July 23, 2021.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental and Bacolod City remain free from the more transmissible Delta variant.

Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, provincial administrator, said although Negros Occidental only reported the Alpha and Beta variants of COVID-19, preparations are now being made in case the Delta variant enters and causes a new surge.

He also said that government-managed hospitals in the province still have enough beds and medical oxygen to cater to COVID-19 patients.

“I think we are prepared, unless what happens will be in catastrophic proportions,” he said adding that “we pray it will not happen in Negros.”

Lacson added that no person in his right mind will travel to this area if it is non-essential.

“If they travel, upon return, they must show a negative RT-PCR test result. But, trade will continue,” he said./DGB, WDJ