Since most of its personnel will go in isolation, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Regional Director Wilfred Jay Balisado has ordered Provincial Election Supervisor Ma. Fatima Aspan to assume as acting election officer of Comelec-Bacolod effective today, September 14.
This, after a personnel of the agency was tested positive of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on Sunday, September 12, City Comelec Officer Kathrina Trino-Caña said.
She said Aspan will be assisted by one of their personnel who was not exposed to the Covid-positive employee in order not to hamper the agency’s operation especially the voter registration that will resume today.
Triño-Caña noted that disinfection was already conducted by the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO).
The employee was manifesting symptoms of Covid-19 and will be transferred to the city’s quarantine facility, she said.
Cana, along with several other Comelec employees who had exposure to their Covid-positive colleague will undergo a swab test this week.
Last month, voters’ registration was also hampered after three Comelec personnel were infected by the disease.
Caña stressed that once they have a Covid-19 positive personnel, the staff are encouraged to undergo swabbing.
Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday urged young Bacolod voters, especially those who will be voting for the first, to ensure that they have already before the end of September.
The commission has set the deadline for voters’ registration on September 30.
“I am encouraging young voters, especially the first-timers, to register now,” Leonardia said, adding that, “eventually, you will have a say in determining the future of Bacolod City and our country as well.”
He stressed that this is the chance of the youth to be part of shaping the future.
Leonardia also said that young voters should vote wisely and choose the right leaders for the city and country. (MAP)
