By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The COVID-19 quarantine facilities in Negros Occidental remain on alert even though it was revealed yesterday that the province’s last COVID-19 case, who is admitted at the capitol-operated quarantine facility, has finally recovered and there are now zero patients confined at the said facilities.

Provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said after the last patient had been discharged he received calls from the heads of the quarantine facilities as to what would be their next action.

Diaz said he has ordered the medical personnel in the quarantine facilities to remain in their posts and continue monitoring the situation as they are currently expecting a spike in new COVID-19 cases following the Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations.

So far, Diaz noted that the Negrenses seemed to have already learned to coexist with COVID-19, and are now more cautious when joining gatherings.

He also advised the public not to be complacent and always observe the minimum health protocols.

“I hope and pray for the best nga indi na ta magbalik sa epidemic wave,” Diaz said.

Based on the latest data released by the Provincial Incident Management Team, Negros Occidental only has 177 active COVID-19 cases as of January 3.

Total cases since March 27, 2020 reached 34,899 with 32,988 recoveries and 1,733 deaths./DGB, WDJ