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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Bacolod to shift back to GCQ

Bacolod to shift back to GCQ

Published Sep 29, 2020 01:41 pm

BACOLOD CITY – This city will shift to a more relaxed general community quarantine (GCQ) by October 1 from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

This was announced on Monday night by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

The city is now under MECQ until September 30 due to the rising number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases that was posted the past weeks.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia wrote a letter to Duque on September 28, appealing for the de-escalation of the community quarantine status to GCQ from MECQ next month.

Leonardia cited in his letter that they have instituted several measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

In fact, he noted that they have successfully implemented a strategic community mass testing, which is currently being followed-up with daily targeted testing.

To date, the city has conducted 22,645 tests, Leonardia said.

Leonardia also said that they have instituted aggressive contact tracing operation, with the launching of the Bacolod City contact tracing system (BaCTrac), a localized web and mobile application enacted through City Ordinance No. 941, Series of 2020.

The mayor also said they have continuously been working to expand the city’s healthcare facilities - including providing for additional quarantine and isolation beds, and hiring health workers.

With these measures in place, Leonardia said they were confident that the city of Bacolod will be ready to transition into GCQ by October 1.

As of September 27, there were 3,636 COVID cases recorded in the city, with 66 deaths or a case of fatality rate of 1.81 percent, he said.

The recoveries also reached 2,335 or 64.21 percent, which correlates to good management and treatment of COVID cases at the isolation facilities and hospitals.

Based on the local government unit risk matrix, the past two-week growth rate of COVID-19 cases here was negative-26 percent, which is considered low, being below 0 percent, while the average daily attack rate was11 percent.

This was significant indication of a continuous reduction of additional cases in the city. 

“Given the forgoing, it was but a logical step for the city to transition into GCQ. Our city must reopen several businesses and allow back public transport to enliven the economy,” the mayor said.

“While saving lives is of ultimate importance, with a GCQ, we can also save the livelihoods of the people,” he added.

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