The city government’s Emergency Operations Center Task Force (EOC-TF) has stepped up the conduct of surveillance testing in various areas, focusing on individuals with a high risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infection.

As of Monday, among those isolated after yielding positive results were 14 personnel of the Bacolod City Police Office.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia, the chairperson of the EOC-TF, said testing plays a key role in the city government’s efforts to prevent the spread of the virus by identifying infected individuals and preventing further transmission.

City Administrator Em Ang, executive director of the EOC-TF, said they still strongly discourage social gatherings and dining out with those who are not members of the same household.

“It is important to avoid mixing people in one place at the same time because it is one key factor of spreading Covid-19 infection,” Ang said.

Based on the April 23 positivity rate report, 20 percent of 441 individuals who underwent testing yielded positive results, which is considered to have alarming implications.

A five-percent positivity rate is already considered “too high,” Ang said.

Those who test positive are immediately placed under isolation, and their close contacts are also being monitored and instructed to undergo home quarantine.

According to the EO-TF, individuals placed under isolation are provided food supplies and other necessities by the city government to help them cope with the quarantine days and prevent jeopardizing the quarantine protocols.

Leonardia said he has instructed the EOC-TF personnel to continue issuing reminders and warnings for Bacolodnons to strictly follow minimum health protocols such as wearing face masks and face shields and observance of social distancing.

Based on the data released by the EOC-TF on Monday, 12 out of the 61 barangays in Bacolod have not reported Covid-19 cases for two weeks, from April 13 to 26. (PNA)