THERE is a total liquor ban in Mandaue City starting Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021.

Mayor Jonas Cortes issued Executive Order (EO) 9 prohibiting any person, including owners and managers of hotels, resorts, restaurants, convenience stores, sari-sari stores and other establishments, from serving or drinking intoxicating drinks in the city.

EO 9 also reiterated important guidelines under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the city have risen rapidly since January, which recorded a daily average of 13 new cases.

From Feb. 1 to Feb. 19, the city recorded a daily average of 35 new cases.

In addition, the City considered the announcement of the Department of Health (DOH) 7 that “mutations” were detected in some samples from Cebu that were sent to the Philippine Genome Center for genomic biosurveillance.

As a result, the City saw the need to strictly enforce MGCQ guidelines and reimpose a liquor ban to avoid unnecessary gatherings that could spread the disease.

Aside from the liquor ban, the City will only allow those between 15 years old and 65 years old who have no comorbidities to be outside. Pregnant women will not be allowed to leave the house.

All restaurants and fast-food businesses including canteens, food courts, food parks and eateries will only be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity, not 70 percent.

Establishments that operate 24/7 can no longer offer dine-in services after 10 p.m.

EO 9 also states that transactions for dine-in services must be, as much as possible, contactless.

It also prohibits all non-essential gatherings such as birthdays, general assembly, fiestas, work-related conferences and trainings, among others.

The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) and barangay officials have been tasked to reprimand, arrest and penalize anyone who does not wear or properly wear their face masks and face shields, fail to comply with social distancing or the 50 percent capacity and violate the 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew.

The MCPO, City Enforcement Unit, Business Permit and Licensing Office and City Treasurer’s Office have also been tasked to inspect establishments for compliance of MGCQ guidelines.

Violators risk losing their business permits or closure. (KFD)