TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija – The municipal government here has reimposed the ban on liquor to stem the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Mayor Nerivi Santos-Martinez issued Monday Executive Order no. 44-2020 “reinstating the prohibition of the selling or serving of liquor, alcoholic beverages, wines, and other alcoholic drinks in the Municipality of Talavera during the modified general community quarantine period (MGCQ)”.
Nueva Ecija is one of the provinces in Central Luzon placed under MGCQ from July 1 to 15, this year.
The EO states that “it has been observed that selling or serving and consumption of liquors and other similar alcoholic drinks encourage close contact among people, thereby defeating the objectives of the community quarantine”.
“The recent Covid-19 cases in the municipality (were) mainly caused by gathering and drinking of liquor and alcohol,” it said.
On Sunday, two confirmed Covid-19 cases were reported in this town, following the death of a 63-year-old patient from the dreaded disease on July 2.
The new Covid-19 patients, a 70-year-old man from Barangay Maestrang Kikay and a 23-year-old woman from Barangay Matias are now in a patient care center.
As consumption of liquor in public places is prohibited, “homeowners should not invite guests or visitors for drinking sessions or any other social activities,” the EO added.
The penalties for violation of the liquor ban include revocation of business permits for establishments, and imposition of applicable penalties for minors under Republic Act 11332, the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
Meanwhile, aside from the two confirmed Covid-19 cases in this town, there are three other positive cases reported by the Nueva Ecija Inter-Agency Task Force (NEIATF).
This brought to 81 the total number of confirmed cases in the province, of which 12 are active.
Out of the 81 total cases, the NEIATF said 65 have already recovered while four have died from the dreaded disease. (PNA)