The Bacolod City Government is eyeing a transition to recovery mode after its status has been downgraded from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 starting Wednesday, Feb. 17.
Em Legaspi-Ang, executive director of the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF), said the development is a recognition of the local government unit’s effective management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
“The lowering of restrictions will allow the reopening of more businesses. This will also increase our people’s mobility and enable them to engage in earning activities,” she added.
She said the new status will allow as well the gradual resumption of activities such as limited face-to-face classes, social and cultural events, sports, shopping, dining out, and hassle-free travel.
Legaspi-Ang noted the decision of the national Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to place Bacolod under Alert Level 2 from February 16 to 28 came after the city recorded a high vaccination rate and a significant drop in infections in the past two weeks.
She said Bacolodnons will now have the opportunity to see how well the city will manage by relying on the business establishments’ strict implementation of the minimum health protocols and the collective effort in maintaining safety protocols.
“If we are able to do this, then we are well on our way from crisis mode to recovery mode,” Legaspi-Ang said.
Dr. Chris Sorongon, EOC-TF deputy for medical data analysis, said with systems and processes in place in the execution of the PDITR + V or prevent, detect, isolate, treat, reintegrate + vaccination strategy, the city can surely move forward in balancing the people’s health and the economy.
“We move towards reintegration and recovery. We are ready for the resumption of gradual face-to-face classes. We will go around to encourage more establishments to renew and apply for safety seal. We will acknowledge those with 100 percent vaccination of their employees and staff with the fully-vaccinated seal. We will make Bacolod City safe for everyone,” he added.
As of Wednesday, Bacolod has 655 active COVID-19 cases, data of the Department of Health-Western Visayas showed.PNA
