Mayor Evelio Leonardia said under Modified General Community Quarantine more businesses in Bacolod City can operate at full capacity this December, except for some exceptions, that will help reinvigorate the local economy.
“MGCQ is very good news for the local economy, it will allow more businesses to open and generate jobs that are badly needed,” Frank Carbon, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer, said today, December 1.
It will now allow for more inter-island travel and the infusion of money into the local economy, he added.
Leonardia late Monday night, November 30, issued Executive Order No. 73, Series of 2020 placing Bacolod City under MGCQ starting today until December 31, after President Rodrigo Duterte de-escalated the status of the city from General Community Quarantine.
The mayor, however, reminded the public to observe health protocols and remain vigilant to prevent a spike in COVID-19 cases in the city.
EO 73 sets curfew in Bacolod City from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., but Leonardia said it could be further shorted in mid-December.
Malls and commercial centers in Bacolod City are now allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity, provided they comply with required health protocols, the EO said.
Twelve-hour business operations are encouraged, it added.
The EO states that businesses still not allowed to operate are beer houses and similar establishments whose primary business is serving alcoholic drinks, and kid amusement industries.
Businesses allowed to operate at only 50 percent venue capacity are barbershops, salons, and other personal care service establishments, dine-in restaurants, fast food, and food retail establishments, including those in supermarkets, grocery stores, and food preparation establishments, the EO said.
Others allowed to operate at 50 percent of their operating capacity are language, driving, dance, acting and voice schools, cinemas, theaters, libraries, archives, museums, cultural centers, tourist destinations, tattoo and body piercing, and live events.
Hotels and accommodation establishments allowed to operate are those accredited by the Department of Tourism and Department of the Interior and Local Government, the EO said.
Under MGCQ, the holding of traditional cockfighting and the operation of cockpits may now be allowed provided Inter-Agency Task Force rules are followed, it added.
The partial liquor ban wherein the sale and purchase of alcoholic drinks will be limited only from noon to 6 p.m. daily, with consumption allowed only within private premises remains, the EO said.
Under MGCQ, persons below 15 years old and those who are over 65 years of age, those with immune deficiencies, comorbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant women, will continue to remain in their residences at all times, except when indispensable under the circumstances for obtaining essential goods and services or for work in permitted industries and offices, it said.
Alternative work arrangements may be had for persons who are 60 years old and above, or those with ages between 18 and 21 years old, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women, the EO added.
Work in all departments of the Bacolod City government, including those of national agencies, are allowed to resume at full operating capacity, it said.
Indoor and outdoor non-contact sports and other forms of exercise such as but not limited to walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, range shooting, and skateboarding are allowed provided minimum health protocols are observed, the EO said.
Mass gatherings such as movie screenings, concerts, and other entertainment activities, religious services, and work conferences are allowed provided, participants are limited to 50 percent of the venue or seating capacity, it added.*