The Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) here continues to conduct surveillance testing among various sectors as part of efforts to curb the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 Covid-19).

On Monday, some 70 individuals, including market vendors, slaughterhouse and store personnel underwent swab tests at the Bacolod Respiratory Outpatient (BRO) Center.

The number was added to the 2,968 Bacolodnons from various sectors who have undergone surveillance testing as of the first week of November, including 2,383 individuals from three major public markets.

Data showed that out of the 2,383, only 35 tested positive, equivalent to a low 1.47-percent positivity rate.

“This impressive low figure means that our major markets are relatively safe and, as such, may elicit an enhanced trust and confidence from their daily customers,” Mayor Evelio Leonardia said in a statement on Monday.

He added that measures are undertaken to ensure public health safety, revitalize the business prospects of market vendors, and provide more peace of mind and comfort for their customers.

Others who underwent surveillance testing were contact tracers and healthcare workers.

Dr. Hector Gayares, deputy for medical services of EOC-TF, earlier said that through surveillance testing, they aim to work ahead to prevent transmission in certain sectors such as market vendors.

This is conducted particularly for those in public markets, which is among the more congested places in the city.

Once the positive cases are detected, they can be contained, Gayares said.

As of Nov. 8, Bacolod logged 32 new cases, which brings the city’s total to 4,997. Of the total, 4,514 or 90.33 percent have recovered.

There are 336 active cases and 147 deaths. (PNA)