Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued Executive Order 66 on Friday for the conduct of mandatory coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) surveillance testing for vendors in the city’s three major public markets.

The order covers those occupying spaces in the Central Market, Burgos (North) Market, and Libertad (South) Market.

Leonardia said the move is part of the planned programs and activities of the Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center (EOC), whose “decisive actions are gaining favorable results and progressive momentum as of this time.”

“(The) mandatory testing is pursuant to and in conformity with the programs, policies, and activities on the date/s and at the place/s determined by the EOC,” he added.

Records show that there are 2,455 awardees of stalls or spaces in the major markets, as well as in Manokan Country.

The initial mandatory surveillance testing for the market vendors has been set on October 10, after Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, chairman of the city inter-agency task force, visited the markets and met with the vendors earlier this week.

To be implemented through the EOC Quick Response Team, the city government will follow a ticketing system, wherein vendors and co-workers willing to submit themselves to the diagnostic test will be issued a permission ticket or market pass to gain access to their stalls inside the markets or be allowed to sell at the market premises.

Those who will cooperate will have their stalls or business posted with the “Compliant” sign.

“In the event that the vendors/co-workers tested positive, they will be extracted to be committed for quarantine/isolation under our existing policies,” EO 66 said.

While under quarantine/isolation, those who would test positive may continue to conduct their business in the markets through their designated in-charge who have tested negative or through any other designated person, provided the latter also undergo the same diagnostic test.

As of Thursday, Bacolod has 845 active Covid-19 cases, 3,332 recoveries, and 95 deaths. (PNA)