As more businesses re-opened in Bacolod, Mayor Evelio Leonardia is urging all Bacolodnons to undergo swab test, saying there is nothing to fear as “probables” often turn out negative for COVID-19.
Data from the Emergency Operations Center Task Force (EOC-TF) showed that from Sept. 30 up to Dec. 2, a total of 1,228 of 1,507 patients with flu-like symptoms (“probables”) tested negative for the viral disease, or an equivalent of 81 percent negativity rate.
The latest record of the EOC covering the 14-day period from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2 also showed that 182 out of 219 “probables” yielded negative results after undergoing swab tests, or an 86 percent negativity rate.
Leonardia said Bacolodnons need not worry of getting tested. As what the data show, not all those who have symptoms turn out to be positive, he stressed.
Leonardia again encouraged Bacolodnons to seek early consultation upon showing flu-like symptoms – “even the mildest ones.”
Early detection is among the tenets of the City Government’s “Halong, Ugyon Bacolod” campaign, launched in October, which primarily focuses on the conduct of simultaneous inspection, monitoring, and education activities.
To strengthen the early detection strategy, the EOC has been conducting a series of surveillance testing.
The most recent subjects of the surveillance testing were 548 individuals composed of food delivery service crews, cockfighting staffs, and personnel from the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) where four tested positive for COVID-19 — 2 coming from each group, or a 0.73 percent positivity rate.
“Do not be afraid to seek early consultation. If you have COVID-19, it will be treated immediately and if it turns out you don’t, it’s much better because it will release a big burden in your mental health, especially when you have thoughts that you might be spreading the virus to your loved ones,” said City Administrator Em Ang.
