DR. CHRIS Sorongon, deputy for medical data and analysis of Emergency Operations Center (EOC), reiterated to Bacolodnons to avoid holding social gatherings while the city’s coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases are still high.

Sorongon, who tested positive for the Covid-19 virus recently, said on Thursday, April 15, Bacolod City recorded 81 new Covid-19 cases and more than 70 new Covid cases on Friday.

He said it is important to avoid mixing people in one place at the same time because it is one key factor in spreading the coronavirus infection.

“We should not be complacent because Covid-19 is everywhere,” he added.

On April 15, the EOC cluster heads held a meeting and discussed their new strategies to address the alarming increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Bacolod.

“Follow minimum health protocols like the wearing of face masks and face shields. Maintain hand hygiene and physical distancing. Please avoid major spreader events like mass gatherings and dining out,” Sorongon said.

He said the spike in Covid-19 cases was recorded as early as March 16 and the City Government immediately conducted consultative meetings with various stakeholders and discussed the mitigating measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Sorongon noted that they already held a meeting with the church leaders, pastors, business sector, market vendors and transport groups and presented to them the actual situation of the city.

“We need the cooperation of everybody here to fight Covid-19,” Sorongon said.

As of April 16, Bacolod City had a total of 6,628 cases of Covid-19. Of the number, 5,851 patients were recoveries, 582 were active cases and 195 were deaths.

Sorongon said 40 barangays in Bacolod City still had cases of Covid-19 and only 21 barangays were Covid-free.

“We appeal to our constituents to tell the truth, if they are not feeling well they should see a doctor or visit the Bacolod Respiratory Outpatient (BRO) Center in Bacolod Arts, Youth and Sports Center,” he said.

Sorongon said those who have Covid-19 symptoms such as fever and headache, among others, can visit the BRO Center for a consultation or call the Emergency Operations Center hotline 432-2749.