THE Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) is still recommending the implementation of curfew and liquor ban in the city, the EOC-TF official said.
Dr. Chris Sorongon, deputy for medical data and analysis of EOC-TF, said the curfew will limit the movement of the people and those who are not supposed to go out will stay home.
“We want to avoid social mixings like what happened in other countries which we do not want to happen here, especially this February we are anticipating valentines and Chinese New Year so if we will allow the party, there’s also a possibility that our coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases will surge,” he said.
The business groups earlier asked the local government unit (LGU) to lift the curfew hours and liquor ban, particularly for those 23 years old and above.
The local business community, in a position paper, said the move will help spark opportunities for evening businesses in the city amid the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.
Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), earlier said about 30 percent of the sector’s revenues come from night businesses.
Currently under modified general community quarantine, the city continues to implement the 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew and partial liquor ban that allows the purchase of alcoholic beverages only from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
“We are appealing to the public that in spite of the festivities this February, please celebrate virtually, celebrate it with the immediate family member and avoid going out if it’s not important, just stay at home because Covid is still there and anybody can get Covid,” Sorongon said.
On the part of the liquor ban, he said Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran has a proposal, which was recommended by some businessmen, for a selective lift of the liquor ban like the liquor that considered beverages.
“But on the part of the EOC, we are still on the liquor ban to prevent the party,” he added.