ILOILO CITY—The local governments of Iloilo and Bacolod suspended anew Monday, July 27, sea travel between the two cities to stop the continuous spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“Travel between Iloilo City and Bacolod City is temporarily suspended,” said Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas in a statement.
“Given the distinct circumstances surrounding our two cities, one-way traffic between us will be impractical and not feasible. This necessitates a reciprocal action on our part,” echoed Mayor Evelio Leonardia of Bacolod City.
This was after the Western Visayas office of the Department of Health (DOH-6) recorded a significant spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental province.
From July 25 to 26, Bacolod City recorded 28 new COVID-19 cases, while Negros Occidental had 48 new infections.
Bacolod particularly had cases of local COVID-19 transmission, and Leonardia already ordered strict lockdown in 10 villages.
On the other hand, Treñas also extended a strict lockdown in Barrio Obrero village as four more persons were infected with COVID-19.
Last week, sea travel was also temporarily suspended for a day between the two cities.
Many people often travel back and forth between the two cities.
Meanwhile, both Treñas and Leonardia assured that transportation of goods and services will not be hampered by this newest travel suspension.