Baguio lifts liquor ban again, eases mall schedules

BAGUIO CITY – The ban on the sale and consumption of liquor in the summer capital will be lifted on Sept. 1, the 111st Baguio foundation day, as the government begins to ease restrictions on the road to reviving its economy.

Residents would also be allowed entry into shopping malls without Market and Mall Passes beginning Aug. 31, although they must still follow schedules for entering the city market, according to an order issued on Saturday by Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

Nine new infections were reported on Saturday, raising the number of patients undergoing treatment to 87.

But Magalong stressed that while the danger persists, residents must learn to live with the virus.

“We cannot count out the positive effects of physical activity and the company of friends and family,” he said in an advisory to explain why the city government has again relaxed some of the rules on public movement.

The mayor said residents may go out provided they follow mandatory health protocols such as wearing masks and face shields at all times in public places and avoid crowds and gatherings.

“Err on the side of caution and stay home,” he stressed, if a chore is not essential or if it risks exposing residents and their families to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“Socialize,” Magalong advised residents, without violating physical distancing rules.

The city government is currently preparing new protocols once it allows residents access to local parks in September.

“We cannot control COVID-19, but we can certainly control how we react and respond to it,” the mayor said. VINCENT CABREZA