AS Covid-19 cases in Davao City continue to decrease, City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio signed Executive Order (EO) No. 59 lifting the 24-hour liquor ban and 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew in the city effective Tuesday, October 26, 2021 until January 15, 2022.
Section 1 of the EO reverts the 24-hour liquor ban to the pre-pandemic liquor ban from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m.
However, serving liquor for consumption in bars, restaurants, sari-sari stores, wet markets (palengke), videoke, and other business establishments is still prohibited.
Drinking liquor in all public places including but not limited to streets, alleys, pathways, and outside of gates is also prohibited.
Alcohols may only be served and consumed inside private properties.
Meanwhile, curfew hours are immediately lifted.
The EO 59 repeals EO 37, which extended the 24-hour liquor ban and curfew until December 31, 2021.
Duterte-Carpio said in a radio interview on the same day that the city is gradually easing quarantine restrictions due to the sufficient supply of Covid-19 vaccines.
"We'll do it slowly. If we see that there is really that good effect sa (in the) vaccination, and if we see that medicine will be available already, pwede na nato ibalik sa (we can re-allow drinking in) public places," she said.
However, the mayor said she might modify the EO once the city will experience another "massive surge" of Covid-19 cases.
She emphasized that there must still be compliance on the minimum health protocols and avoid mass gatherings to prevent the possible transmission of the virus.
She added that there must also be an emphasis on adequate ventilation in offices and establishments.
According to the Davao City Vaccination Cluster as of October 6, the city government reported that 770,925 individuals have received the first dose and 646,248 the second dose of the vaccines or 53.85 percent of the target herd immunity.
Dr. Raquel Montejo, DOH-Davao Local Health Support Division chief, meanwhile, said it is the prerogative of the local government to adjust its Covid-19 policies.
Montejo also noted a negative growth rate of the transmission, while Covid-19 bed utilization has also noted decreased admission.
The health official, however, reminded the public to strengthen the observance of the health protocols and increase the target number of vaccinees to achieve herd immunity. (RGL)