Statement of Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares

The city government of Talisay has since been very cautious in its battle against Covid-19. No matter how difficult, we strictly imposed rules and regulations for all Talisaynons to follow. We are always saddened whenever our constituents violate and don't follow protocols.

Just recently, it has come to our attention that a crew member of a vessel owned by the owner of an establishment located here in Talisay City, was quarantined in the said property.

It was found out that the vessel travelled to Davao and Manila before it docked in Bacolod City. The crew underwent a check-up in a hospital in Bacolod City and was advised to self-quarantine while waiting for his swab test result.

There was never any information relayed to us with regard to this. The employer never informed us with regard to the use of his establishment as a quarantine facility for the said crew member.

We only knew of all this when the Provincial Hospital called to inform us that someone in self-quarantine in Brgy. Zone 15 tested positive for Covid-19. Had we known of this, we would have immediately put the crew member in our own quarantine facility despite not being a resident of Talisay City.

I would like to inform all of you, that the crew member was already transferred to the provincial quarantine facility and that he never went out of the establishment during his self-quarantine. We are safe but let us remain vigilant. We request the public to help one another by following our safety protocols - wear your masks, wash your hands, and practice strict social distancing. Let us not complicate things. Only when we cooperate can we win this battle.