By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A resort located at the Goldenfields Commercial Complex in Bacolod City was ordered closed yesterday after it was discovered that it hosted a children’s party.

City Administrator Em Ang, who is also an executive director of the city’s Emergency Operations Center, said an inspection team from the city government accompanied by members of the Bacolod City Police Office caught the resort hosting a party.

The guests, which included several minors, were immediately ordered to go home, while the establishment was ordered shut.

Ang pointed out under the general community quarantine (GCQ), individuals aged 15 and below are not allowed to go out of their homes. She is also urging parents not to expose their children outside in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.

Earlier this week, several resorts located in the city’s Barangay Punta Taytay were also ordered closed for allegedly violating the city’s health protocols.

Under Section 5 of Executive Order No.70 issued by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, establishments such as beaches and water parks are not yet allowed to operate as the city is still under GCQ status.

Councilor Israel Salangga, who chairs the city’s Committee on Tourism, said he will try to appeal for the reopening of the city’s resorts, provided it will cooperate by implementing the city’s health protocols such as requiring visitors to wear face masks and face shields, as well as practicing social distancing.

However, if Leonardia denies the request, Salangga said resort owners may have to wait until the city is downgraded to the less restrictive modified GCQ./DGB, WDJ