Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson signed yesterday Executive Order No. 21-33, series of 2021, placing the entire Negros Occidental province under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) status from July 1 until July 31, 2021.
Lacson cited that the new community quarantine classification of the province was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte based on the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force.
He also said that the province has 18,663 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases as of yesterday and because of the constant rising number of cases, there is a need to place Negros Occidental under GCQ.
The governor ordered the full enforcement of the IATF-EID uniform travel protocols and the implementation of stringent measures on mass gatherings.
Lacson stated that under the GCQ guidelines, establishments such as entertainment and recreational venues, amusement parks, fairs, playgrounds, kiddie rides, and traditional cockfighting and cockpits shall be closed. Curfew hours remain from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Under the GCQ, the governor said that E-Sabong, or online sabong, will be prohibited, while those 18 years old and below and 65 years old and above are prohibited from going out of their homes.
Earlier, Lacson said that while presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced during the briefing Monday night that 30 to 50 percent capacity in church gatherings will be allowed under the GCQ, he will opt for a 30 percent maximum capacity in Negros Occidental.
As to the liquor ban, Lacson said most local government units in Negros Occidental prohibit drinking in public places. But they can buy liquor and consume it at home, he added. — GB
