In a bid to curb the recent spike in cases of coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, in Bacolod City, the city government has enforced early curfew hours.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued on Sunday night, June 6, Executive Order (EO) No. 31, Series of 2021, amending among others the daily curfew hours. From the previous 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew hours, the new daily curfew is now from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

“Provided, that 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,” the EO said.

It added that the curfew hours may be adjusted at any time within the duration of the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) through the exercise by the city mayor of the emergency powers granted under pertinent city ordinance/s or any applicable laws.

Bacolod City remains under MGCQ until June 30, 2021.

Meanwhile, 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 6:00 to 9:00 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 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., only for consumption in private residences or places.

The EO further stated that while the selling of liquor, wine, beer or any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage in public places is still allowed only from 12:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m.

EO No. 31 also said, “Dine-in restaurants, fast food and food retail establishments, including those in supermarkets, grocery stores, and food preparation establishments, at a maximum of 30 percent capacity.”

The same also with the barber shops, salons, and other personal care service establishments; and church/religious gatherings for holy mass/prayers/worship services/similar activities.

Yesterday, Bacolod city recorded 99 additional COVID-19 cases, bringing the total cases in the city to 10,399, of which 9,984 are active, based on the Department of Health 6’s COVID-19 Regional Case Bulletin No. 437. (With a report from PNA)/WDJ