BACOLOD City – The ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks remains in this city as the modified enhanced community quarantine (MGCQ) was extended anew until the end of the month.
“Bacolodnons still have to observe the necessary health precautions,” stressed Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
He issued Executive Order (EO) 53 on Sunday reinstating the liquor ban.
The city government initially reimposed the prohibition from July 31 to Aug. 15 through EO 50, after the mayor lifted the ban through EO 39 on June 1, the first day of the MGCQ in Bacolod.
“Selling and buying of liquor or any form of alcoholic beverages from the producers, distributors, retailers/wholesalers, restaurants, refreshment parlors, pubs, night clubs, sari-sari stores, and other similar entities are prohibited in the duration of the EO or until further notice,” Section 6 of EO 53 stated.
The ban also covers the drinking and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places.
Leonardia said the continuation of the MGCQ requires Bacolodnons to adopt some necessary lifestyle changes because the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) still poses a threat.
Over the weekend, two of the 61 village chiefs in the city were found infected with the viral illness.
Councilor Lady Gles Pallen identified them as Ricky Mijares Sr. of Barangay Banago and Rodolfo Pico Jr. of Barangay Mansilingan.
Pallen, president of the Association of Barangay Captains, disclosed that both Mijares and Pico were tested using reverse transmission polymerase chain reaction.
“Mijares exhibited COVID-19 symptoms which prompted him to have a swab test and the result was released on Aug. 15,” explained Pallen.
Pico also showed symptoms of the disease. He was tested Friday last week and received the information that he was a virus carrier on Aug. 16.
Pallen said the two barangay captains were in in isolation at the quarantine facility of the city government.
“Their barangay halls were locked down for disinfection,” she added.
As of Aug. 16, Bacolod City has 511 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 184 of which were active, 116 recovered and 11 died./PN
