The Bacolod City government has shortened the daily curfew hours from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. starting Tuesday as it reverts to modified general community quarantine status from Dec. 1 to 31.
In Executive Order No. 73 issued by Mayor Evelio Leonardia on Nov. 30, the local chief executive also said that those working on night shifts and rendering service in emergency situations are exempted from the five-hour curfew.
Curfew hours previously under the modified enhanced community quarantine in September and when the city was under the GCQ status from October until November were set from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
“Bacolod’s de-escalation to MGCQ is good news, but we have to warn people that if we are not careful, our problems might come back,” the mayor said.
Leonardia called on Bacolenos to be responsible during the holidays because the coronavirus does not recognize Christmas and New Year.
Section 4 of E.O. 73 provided that the new curfew hours will be observed by the general public.
But there would be exemptions, he continued, citing workers on night shifts, public emergencies like fire/ambulance services/other occasions caused by disaster or calamity, and those requiring medical assistance onboard public or private vehicles.
It added that the curfew hours may be adjusted at any time within the duration of the MGCQ through the exercise of emergency powers granted to the mayor by pertinent city ordinance or any applicable law.
Section 15 of the same order stated that “malls and commercial centers are now allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity, including non-leisure establishments except those allowed to operate at less than 100 percent of operating capacities, and those not allowed to operate at all.”
Section 17 provided that the existing partial liquor ban also stays.
Meaning, the sale and purchase of alcoholic drinks are limited only from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, he explained.
Consumption of alcoholic drinks is allowed only within private premises, the mayor’s order added.
Section 20 also allowed mass gatherings such as, but not limited to, movie screenings, concerts and other entertainment activities, religious services, and work conferences, but limited to only 50 percent of the venue or seating capacity. – NLG
