BACOLOD City will remain under community quarantine with heightened restrictions (GCQ-HR) from August 15 to August 31, 2021, after President Rodrigo Duterte decided that Bacolod City, among other concerned local government units, will remain under the said classification.
On August 14, Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued Executive Order No. 44 extending the GCQ-HR from August 15 to 31 pursuant to the decision of the national inter-agency task force from the management of emerging infectious disease (NIATF-MEID).
Leonardia said in a televised announcement during a press briefing on August 13, said the Bacolod City government always cooperates with the quarantine status prescribed for it from time to time by the NIATF-MEID.
He added all provisions of EO 39, EO 39-A, and EO 42, all under Series of 2021, which provided for the minimum health protocols and other regulations, as amended, to govern during the GCQ-HR period shall continue to remain in full force and effect for this extension of the GCQ-HR from August 15 to 31.
All other provisions of EO 39, EO 39-A, and EO 42, all under Series of 2021, that are not modified or amended herein shall remain in full force and effect.
Under EO No. 39, entertainment venues with live performances, recreational venues, amusement parks, casinos, 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 includes 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.
It also includes casinos, horse racing, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments, except as may be authorized by the IATF or the Office of the President for the purpose of raising revenue for the government; Traditional cockfighting and operation of cockpits; Outdoor/indoor sports courts or venues for contact sports, scrimmages, games, or activities; Indoor tourist attractions; and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (Mice events).
Church or religious gatherings for holy mass, prayers, worship services/similar activities will now be at a maximum of ten percent of the venue capacity.
Gatherings outside of residences will be prohibited except for those essential for the provision of health services, government services, or humanitarian activities authorized by the appropriate government agency or instrumentality. Gathering at residences with any person outside of one’s immediate household shall likewise be prohibited.
Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, and funerals for those who died of causes other than Covid-19 are allowed but now reduced to 10 percent of the venue capacity. Visits to memorial parks, cemeteries, and columbaria are allowed but are now reduced to not more than 10 persons per group and not exceeding 10 percent of the venue capacity.
The daily curfew hours will continue to be observed from 10 p.m to 4 a.m.
The rules and regulations in the selling of liquor, wine, beer, or any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage in public places will continue to be allowed only from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. However, the selling and/or consumption of such alcoholic beverages in authorized public places will continue to be banned and prohibited under Executive Order No. 31, Series of 2021, dated June 6, 2021.
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.