Baguio implements curfew, liquor ban as GCQ in CAR starts

Baguio City issued guidelines for its curfew hours and liquor ban as the general community quarantine (GCQ) started on Monday in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

Curfew hours will be from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. except for authorized persons outside residence, according to a report by GMA News stringer Darius Bajo on Unang Balita on Monday.

The liquor ban is from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. the next day.

Persons below the age of 15 or above the age of 65 will be prohibited from leaving their homes except for essential trips or for emergency.

Strict implementation of health protocols such as the wearing of face mask and face shield and observing social distancing will be enforced.

Public transportation will accommodate passengers only up to 75% of vehicle capacity.

Travelers will also have to show health certificates or medical certificates at the borders of Baguio City.

Food establishments will be allowed to accept diners to fill in up to 75% of venue capacity.

Drugstores, gasoline stations, grocery stores and supermarkets will be allowed to remain open for 24 hours.

Restaurants will also be allowed to remain open even during curfew hours but only for takeout or delivery.

The city remains open to tourists but travelers were advised to check the Baguio VISITA website for the requirements and process.

Social gatherings in hotels and restaurants will be allowed but to fill in only up to 30% of the venue capacity. Prior approval from the City Health Services is also required.

Residents had mixed reactions to the stricter guidelines under GCQ. Baguio City was previously under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) which was less strict.

Some agreed with the guidelines while others said there was no need for strict measures.

On Sunday, some residents resorted to panic buying, forming long lines at grocery stores. 

Malacañang announced on Friday that Metro Manila and CAR will be placed under GCQ for the whole month of February starting on Monday, Feb. 1 as the threat of COVID-19 remains.

Aside from the two regions, Batangas, Tacloban City, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Iligan City would also be placed under GCQ, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. —KG, GMA News