Mayor Evelio Leonardia placed Bacolod City under less restrictive Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) from December 1 to 31, 2020.
The city was previously under GCQ in the past two months after a COVID-19 surge occurred.
Leonardia reminded his constituents to continue observing health and safety protocols to prevent COVID-19 transmissions.
“Bacolod’s de-escalation to MGCQ is good news, but we have to warn people that if we are not careful, our problems might come back. We have to be responsible during the holidays because the virus does not recognize Christmas and New Year,” the mayor said in a statement on Tuesday.
Under MGCQ, more businesses are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity, and curfew hours may be adjusted in time for the Christmas tradition Simbang Gabi.
The curfew in Bacolod City is now from only 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. starting December 1.
Meanwhile, the existing partial liquor ban remained, wherein residents could only buy and sell liquor from 12 pm to 6 pm. Drinking sessions are allowed only within private spaces.
Mass gatherings in Bacolod City, such as but not limited to movie screenings, concerts, and other entertainment activities, religious services, and work conferences, are allowed but limited to only 50 percent of the venue or seating capacity.
As of November 30, Bacolod has 5,396 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 4,950 recoveries, 284 active cases, and 162 deaths.
Also read: Metro Manila mayors agree on short curfew amid GCQ
Bacolod City shifts to MGCQ
In a public address aired on Monday night, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the following areas would be under GCQ until December 31:
- National Capital Region
- Batangas
- Iloilo City
- Tacloban City
- Lanao del Sur
- Iligan
- Davao City
The rest of the country is still under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
Meanwhile, OCTA Research team experts identified the four regions considered as COVID-19 epicenters in the country.
According to Dr. Guido David, the epicenters are the National Capital Region, Davao Region, Calabarzon, and some areas of Central Luzon.
“Ang epicenters ngayon nasa Metro Manila, Davao, and Calabarzon. Nandoon pa rin ‘yun sa Quezon, nakikita natin tumataas pa ang kaso. Sa Central Luzon, actually kasama din ‘yan, dahil tumataas sa Bulacan, at saka sa Pampanga,” David said.