Officials of Bacolod City Met To Discuss ECQ Over COVID-19 Crisis
BACOLOD CITY – The officials met to decide on the fate of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the city amid the COVID-19 crisis in the Philippines.
One of the cities that remained under an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) until May 15 is Bacolod. Previously, it was recommended by the National Inter-Agency Task Force against COVID-19 to be placed under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
However, new cases were confirmed in the city before the expiry of the initial ECQ. It prompted the Sangguniang Panlungsod to file a resolution seeking for the extension of the ECQ in the city until May 15.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved the move of Bacolod. The city will remain under the ECQ until May 15 and, prior to it, a decision must come whether to lift, extend, or modify the measure.
Recently, the National IATF against COVID-19 has assessed the different areas in the country. Bacolod City was classified under low-risk with a recommendation that there is no need to implement an ECQ or a GCQ in the city.
Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia was quick to call for an emergency meeting with the officials of IATF. They discussed about the fate of the ECQ in the city.
Based on a report on Aksyon Radyo Bacolod, the Bacolod City Mayor and the officials of the IATF against COVID-19 decided to lift the ECQ in the city. Also, the officials agreed to abide by the recommendation of the National IATF that there is no need to implement even a GCQ in the city.
According to Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, the local government will draft curfew ordinance in the city and Mayor Leonardia will also issue an Executive Order not allowing fiestas to be held in the city.
Mayor Bing Leonardia expressed that beginning May 16, the wearing of face mask would be a “new normal” for the people. Also, social distancing must be practiced in public places, restaurants, public vehicles, etc.
Based on the report, Councilor Archie Baribar will draft an ordinance that will penalize individuals who are not wearing face mask or exhibiting social distancing. The curfew covers from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am.
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