By Freddie Velez CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – Following the recent announcement of the Department of Health (DOH) that there are now 49 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, including a Bulakenyo from the City of San Jose Del Monte in this province, Gov. Daniel R. Fernando continued the class suspension in all levels, both public and private schools from Tuesday to Saturday, March 14. Fernando and Vice Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado both appealed to the public to remain calm in the middle of this health emergency due to the threat of the deadly disease that has been increasing rapidly in the number of victims, and encouraged everyone to pray. “Tayo ay nagsasagawa ng contact tracing alinsunod sa direktiba ng Department of Health at Bulacan Provincial Health Office-Public Health kasama ang City Health Office of San Jose Del Monte upang matukoy ang mga nakasalamuha ng pasyente at magsagawa ng patuloy na beripikasyon. Ang mga estudyante ay mag-aral pa rin sa kani-kanilang mga bahay,” Fernando said. The Bulacan governor was hoping for nothing but to ensure the health and safety of every Bulakenyo as he assured that the provincial government of Bulacan will do everything to protect its residents. Earlier, the governor signed the Memorandum GO DRF031020-91 that ordered all mayors, health officers and barangay captains to strictly implement necessary preventive measures as stated in Proclamation No. 922 and in accordance to Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. Mayors and barangay captains have been asked to perform Sustained Inter-agency coordination, ensure backup systems to address surge capacity, and establish logistic management system while the health officers are asked to sustain level of public awareness to minimize fear, anxiety and unrest. Further, the Provincial Health Office-Public Health reminded the residents about the importance of practicing personal preventive measures such as hand hygiene, cough etiquette, social distancing, and proper cooking.