NegOcc. shifts to GCQ but curfew hours remain

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental will shift to the stricter status of General Community Quarantine starting July 1 to July 31, 2021 but curfew hours will remain from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that under the GCQ status, e-Sabong or online cockfighting will be prohibited, amusement parks will be closed, while persons 18 years old and below and 65 years old and above are prohibited from going out of their homes.

Entertainment and recreational venues, concert halls, theaters, fairs, playgrounds, kiddie rides, and the traditional cockfighting and cockpits will also be closed, according to Executive Order 21-33 Lacson issued Tuesday.

The governor also said that the Philippine National Police will continue to extend help in their respective local government units in the implementation of mandated health protocols.

While presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced during the briefing Monday night that 30 to 50 percent capacity in church gatherings under GCQ will be allowed, Lacson said he will opt for a maximum 30 percent capacity in Negros Occidental.

As to the liquor ban, Lacson said most local government units in Negros Occidental disallow drinking in public places.

But they can buy liquor and consume it in their homes, he added.

The governor said what they have been enforcing under the MGCQ will still be the same under GCQ.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said that the city won’t appeal the recommendation of the National Inter-Agency Task Force to place the city under GCQ from July 1 to 15.

He said the city will follow whatever the recommendation of the NIATF is.

“Even if we were under the more relaxed Modified GCQ, the restrictions being implemented in the City are those of GCQ.”