THE City of Bacolod will remain under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions (GCQ-HR) from August 1 to 15, 2021, while the province of Negros Occidental will also remain under GCQ until August 31.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, chairman of Bacolod City Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), said President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the national IATF to retain the GCQ-HR in Bacolod City and other areas in the country.
Familiaran said that after August 15, the national IATF will also evaluate the city's situation and issue another quarantine status.
He said Mayor Evelio Leonardia is also expected to issue an executive order for the extension of the GCQ-HR in the city.
On July 22, Leonardia issued Executive Order (EO) 41, extending the general community quarantine with heightened restrictions (GCQ-HR) in the city from July 22 to July 31, 2021.
On July 15, 2021, the NIATF placed the City of Bacolod in the category of GCQ-HR from July 16 to 22. The mayor also issued EO 39 for the observance of the minimum health standards and limited movement of all persons in the City of Bacolod during the period of GCQ-HR from July 16 to 22.
Under EO 39, entertainment venues with live performances, recreational venues, amusement parks, casinos and traditional cockfighting, among others, are not allowed to operate under the GCQ-HR in Bacolod City.
Businesses not allowed to operate based on Section (4)(5) of the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines and the TV pronouncement of Secretary Harry Roque include the entertainment venues with live performers such as karaoke bars, bars, clubs, concert halls, theaters and cinemas.
Recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls, amusement arcades, bowling alleys, and similar venues are also not allowed to operate, as well as amusement parks or theme parks, fairs/peryas, kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides.
Any person below 18 years old, those who are over 65 years of age, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women will be required to remain in their residences at all times, except for obtaining essential goods and services, or for work in industries and offices or such other activities permitted by the national and local governments, the EO further stated.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson issued Thursday, July 29, Executive Order 21-39, Series of 2021, extending the duration of the GCQ over the entire province of Negros Occidental until August 31.
The issuance of an EO was made by the governor following the new quarantine status issued by the national IATF extending the GCQ status of the province.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said the number of active cases in the province has been decreasing, which also eases the quarantine facilities in the province.
Under quarantine in Cadiz City, Diaz said active Covid-19 cases have reduced to 20; Silay City - 50; and E.B. Magalona - 150.
The province has been performing well when it comes to Covid-19 cases and the vaccination program.
“We will awaken the economic activities in the province,” Diaz said.