Negros Oriental seeks IATF-EID nod for stricter Covid-19 protocols

He noted that for almost two months, the province had zero Covid-19 cases, but when the locally stranded individuals (LSIs), overseas Filipino workers (OFW), and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) started arriving, the province experienced a sudden spike in confirmed cases of the disease.

“I explained to Usec. Densing that we have been trying our best for Negros Oriental to be zero-Covid,” he said. “We are accepting LSIs. We do not prohibit them from returning here but please give us LSIs who are not sick (with Covid-19)”.

As of the latest count, the Province of Negros Oriental has 18 confirmed Covid-19 patients, two of whom are from Cebu but are quarantined here.

The cases are mostly LSIs and a few OFWs.

“Usec. Densing has understood our dilemma and has asked me to put into writing our concerns and recommendations so that these will be forwarded to the national Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases,” Degamo said.

He has instructed Adrian Sedillo, executive director of the provincial IATF-EID, to craft a resolution to this effect.

Meanwhile, on the resumption of domestic commercial air travel to Negros Oriental, Degamo said “it all depends on the outcome of the meeting with the mayors” on Friday.

Many of the mayors are also complaining now that they are “overwhelmed” with the arrival of the LSIs in their towns or cities, he said.

The local government units are now tasked to receive their LSIs and ensure that they undergo the proper health protocols, especially the mandatory 14-day quarantine at a government-designated patient care center.

“I have to protect the 1.5 million people living in the province and thus, we must have a unified approach,” Degamo said.

Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr. Liland Estacion earlier said the current active Covid-19 cases in the province are not local transmissions but acquired outside of the province.* (Mary Judaline Partlow, PNA)