BACOLOD City – To curb the spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, the city government stretched the curfew hours and banned the public consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Residents are prohibited from stay outdoors between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., according to Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
Who are exempted?
* workers on night shifts
* media practitioners
* public emergencies like fire/ambulance services/other occasions caused by disaster/calamity
* those requiring medical assistance on board public utility vehicles or private vehicles.
Leonardia said the curfew hours may be adjusted “at any time within the duration of the city’s modified general community quarantine”.
Further, public consumption of liquor, wine, beer or any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage is prohibited.
This implies that serving and selling of liquors, alcoholic drinks and intoxicating beverages at beerhouses, nightclubs, karaoke bars or clubs, or any establishment that primarily serve and sell alcoholic drinks are prohibited, too.
What’s only allowed is the selling of liquor from 12 noon to 6 p.m. and only for consumption in private residences.
Operation of dine-in restaurants, fast food and food retail establishments, including those in supermarkets, grocery stores, and food preparation establishments are allowed but at a maximum of 30 percent capacity only.
The same goes for barber shops, salons, and other personal care service establishments, church/religious gatherings for holy mass/prayers/worship services and similar activities.
According to Leonardia, this city has been experiencing a “spike and rebound” in COVID-19 infections for the past 14 days.
The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 6 classified Bacolod City a “high-risk” area for COVID-19.
“(It is) thus reminding us that more vigilance and caution must be observed and exercised in matters of public safety and health protocols,” Leonardia said.
On June 7, Bacolod recorded 1,505 active coronavirus cases, data from DOH-6 showed./PN
