BACOLOD City – Due to the sudden spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in this city, Mayor Evelio Leonardia ordered the temporary closure of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds from March 29 to April 4.
Bacolod City registered 33 new COVID-19 cases on March 29, Leonardia said. A week ago, the city also logged 24, 20 and 25 daily cases “which has not happened for a long time.”
“The last time the city recorded the highest daily cases was in Nov. 8, 2020 with 40,” the mayor said.
Leonardia also noted that with the temporary closure, the city government may be able to stem the further spread of COVID-19.
“Our active cases as of this time (March 29) have reached to 188, though last month it decreased to as low as 24,” he stressed.
The BCGC ground is a popular place for picnics, hangouts and other recreational activities.
Leonardia said the city is also having a problem with hospital beds in health facilities here.
Several healthcare workers are getting sick of the deadly virus, thus causing the shortage, he said.
He appeals for public understanding on the adjustments being imposed in the city as these were only preventive measures against the virus.
Meanwhile, as of this writing, Leonardia has yet to finalize an executive order with regards to restrictions on people coming to tourist destinations, especially during Easter Sunday.
“We have noticed that, usually, thousands of people were coming into the beaches, especially around this time… and we want to regulate it properly. Even the resorts and coffee shops in Barangay Alangilan (may become jam-packed),” he underscored.
The mayor appealed to the public to still cooperate and follow minimum health protocols./PN
