BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – “We are not in a hurry… We are still under [enhanced community quarantine],” Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Lacson said.
The governor, in his public address via live streaming via Facebook live, said the provincial government is not lifting the ECQ “contrary to popular misconception”.
The province is still under ECQ until 20 April, before the transition to a general community quarantine.
All security protocols and measures are still in place, including the closure of borders, strict home quarantine, and the mandatory quarantine of returning OFWs to the province.
Former congressman and now consultant for economic affairs Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez likened the transition to alert levels during disasters.
“There are different alert levels depending on prevailing conditions. He added that government is not blind to the plight of the trisikad and tricycle drivers who are the hardest hit and who have lost their jobs because of the ECQ, thus the modification for suspension of mass transportation.
Still, the e-trike, pedicabs, and tricycles that are allowed to ply the streets are those that will transport those allowed out, especially those procuring daily supplies.
Other than modifications to mass transportation, there will be a resumption of construction works.
The new E.O. however still imposes strict restrictions in all ports, with borders remaining closed.
