QC imposes liquor ban amid ‘drastic’ increase in COVID-19 cases

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — A two-week liquor ban will be imposed in Quezon City as one of the city government’s emergency measures amid the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the emergency measures, which include the liquor ban, will take effect from March 15 to March 31.

This means all retail sales of alcoholic beverages are suspended during the duration of the guidelines, said Belmonte.

“The drastic increase of cases is very alarming. We want to stop the transmission as early as now so that we no longer have to implement another nationwide lockdown,” Belmonte said in a statement.

The supplemental guidelines also include a reiteration of public safety hours, strict compliance to health protocols in workplaces, and mandatory use of the Kyusi Pass digital contact tracing app.

The guidelines also state that sari-sari stores, as well as markets and temporary vending sites, shall be closed by 10 p.m.

The operation of gyms, spas, and internet cafes shall also be suspended, the guidelines further state.

Barangays are also advised that they may once again issue quarantine passes to their residents to limit movement. However, a barangay may not close down any establishment without the approval of the city government.

Meanwhile, returning overseas Filipinos (OFs) staying in hotels and other accommodation establishments in the city organized by the national government or private entities must report to the Office of the City Administrator for documentation and monitoring, and for guidance on health, security, and logistics protocols.

They are required to complete the mandatory quarantine period of at least 14 days regardless of the RT-PCR test result.

/MUF