Bacolod imposes stricter quarantine protocols

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Mayor Evelio Leonardia imposed more stringent quarantine protocols to avert the continuing increase of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 cases here.

The new protocols are contained in Executive Order No. 31 series of 2021 issued Sunday night.

Leonardia said that “in the light of our existing COVID-19 figures, we held a series of meetings and consultations with our infectious diseases doctors, business community, Department of Health (DOH) regional doctors and our city officials.”

He said that the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) presented their suggestions and recommendations.

Based on Section 3 of EO 31, curfew hours here will be now observed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., from the previous 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

“Exemptions shall be made for workers on night shifts, media practitioners, public emergencies like fire/ambulance services/other occasions caused by disaster/calamity, and those requiring medical assistance on board public utility vehicles or private vehicles,” it added.

In Section 4, Leonardia suspended EO 03, which allows the gradual permission in the sale, serving and consumption of liquor and alcoholic beverages in allowed establishments from 6 to 9 p.m.

“The selling and/or consumption of such alcoholic beverages in public places is totally banned and prohibited,” it added.

This means 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 still prohibited.

Under EO 31, only allowed is the selling of liquor, wine, beer or any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage from 12 noon to 6 p.m., only for consumption in private residences or places.

In Section 2, any form of mass gathering or business activity is strongly advised under 30 percent seating capacity for dine-in restaurants, fast food, and food retail establishments; barber shops, salons, and other personal care service establishments; church and religious gatherings; and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions events.

“In our intention to arrest the rising number of Covid-19 cases, we strongly appeal to the citizenry to observe all basic health protocols such as correct wearing of face masks/face shields and physical distancing while in public places, and frequent hand-washing, and to voluntarily home quarantine themselves as much as possible,” Leonardia said.

On June 6 alone, Bacolod logged 128 new cases and one death, and also 53 recoveries. The latest 128 cases are all local transmissions.

The city now has a total of 10,298 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 1,473 active; 8,560 recoveries; and 265 deaths. (With a report from PNA)