Personnel of the Negros Occidental provincial government returned to a five-day work week duty starting Monday as coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases have decreased in this city, where the provincial capitol is located.
In a memorandum, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson directed all employees to resume rendering eight working hours a day for five days or a total of 40 days a week effective Nov. 9.
The governor noted that the quarantine classification of Bacolod has already been downgraded from modified enhanced community quarantine to general community quarantine.
He also cited Section 5, Rule XVII of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of Executive Order 292 of the Office of the President in his directive.
Last Aug. 28, the provincial government adopted a four-day work week arrangement as a measure to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Employees of offices based at the provincial capitol were then required to physically report to work only from Monday to Thursday. They worked from home on Fridays.
“In the interest and the exigency of the service and for the protection of employees the employees of the provincial government, a four-day workweek and a day of work from home shall be implemented until revoked or amended in writing,” Lacson said in his earlier memorandum.
Meanwhile, Lacson also approved the reopening of the Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon some eight months after it has been closed due to Covid-19 quarantine restrictions.
Starting Saturday, visitors were allowed entry with the observance of strict health and safety protocols.
However, the number of visitors is limited to 50 persons only at any given time and only persons aging 18 to 65 are allowed inside the park.
Activities are only limited to walking and jogging. Events and social gatherings are not allowed. Only three persons are allowed to hold group exercises.
Upon entry, visitors must submit to temperature check and record-log in, and do handwashing.
Physical distancing, wearing a face mask, and face shield must also be observed. (PNA)
