(PNA Bacolod file photo) BACOLOD CITY - The city government here has welcomed its continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Alert Level 1 status until March 31 as announced by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) effective Wednesday. Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the lowest category in the Covid-19 alert level system augurs well with the city's economic recovery plan under the new normal. "We are entering the new normal. It doesn't mean, however, the virus is gone. Covid-19 is still here and we must always be on our guard," he added. In February, Bacolod has transitioned from Alert Level 3 then to Alert Level 2, and then to Alert Level 1 by March 1 after recording a high vaccination rate and a significant drop in infections in the past several weeks. Under Alert Level 1, which has no restrictions in terms of indoor and outdoor gathering capacities, Leonardia has lifted the liquor ban and further shortened curfew
(PNA Bacolod file photo) BACOLOD CITY - The city government here is eyeing a transition to recovery mode after its status has been downgraded from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 starting Wednesday. Em Legaspi-Ang, executive director of the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF), said the development is a recognition of the local government unit's effective management of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases. "The lowering of restrictions will allow the reopening of more businesses. This will also increase our people's mobility and enable them to engage in earning activities," she added. She said the new status will allow as well the gradual resumption of activities such as limited face-to-face classes, social and cultural events, sports, shopping, dining out, and hassle-free travel. Legaspi-Ang noted the decision of the national Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to place Bacolod under Alert Level 2 from February 16