Negros Occidental extends lockdown

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The enhanced community quarantine in Negros Occidental has been extended.

In an executive order issued yesterday, Gov. Eugenio Lacson said the provincial health office recommended the extension of the lockdown until April 30 as a disease prevention and control measure in limiting the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the province.

There are 93 persons under investigation (PUIs) for the flu virus in Negros Occidental.

The lone COVID-19 patient in the province, a resident of EB Magalona town, has recovered. Eight members of her family and 28 health workers tested negative for the disease on Tuesday.

The Inter Agency Task Force on COVID-19 reported that the 20 PUIs in Bacolod City have also recovered.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the city government would synchronize its plan on the enhanced community quarantine with the Negros Occidental provincial government.

Negros Occidental Rep. Leo Rafael Cuevas and other local officials supported Lacson’s move to extend the enhanced community quarantine.

They said lifting the lockdown would be premature, citing the gains achieved by the province in the fight against COVID-19.