By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson believes the Omicron variant of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may now be in the province after noting a steady increase in new COVID-19 cases over the past few days.

Based on data released by the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas on Monday, January 17, Negros Occidental recorded a total of 193 new cases, while Bacolod City recorded 187.

Because of the new surge, Lacson said the provincial government will again convert district hospitals into COVID-19 facilities and reopen quarantine facilities.

All those who have been tested positive through rapid antigen test will be immediately classified as COVID-19 positive, he added.

Executive Order 21-61-A issued by Lacson and took effect on January 9, amended his previous directive in order to impose restrictions on air, sea, and land travel to the province.

Previously, fully vaccinated individuals were only required to submit a vaccination card or certificate along with an S-PaSS document to enter the province.

Only those unvaccinated and partially vaccinated were asked to submit a negative RT-PCR test result before travel.

Lacson’s stance on lifting the negative RT-PCR test requirement for Negros Occidental-bound travelers has also not changed, despite previous calls from local fast craft operators to implement a “no vaccine, no travel” policy instead./DGB, WDJ