San Juan lifts liquor ban

MANILA, Philippines — The San Juan government adjusted curfew hours and lifted the liquor ban yesterday after the city council passed ordinances for COVID-19 response.

Mayor Francis Zamora had certified as urgent city ordinances, including one that requires the use of face shields.

Metro Manila mayors earlier recommended for the region to stay under general community quarantine but with shorter curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to allow local businesses to thrive.

Curfew hours were earlier set from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. due to strict quarantine protocols.

Under City Ordinance 59, curfew violators or those not exempted from curfew hours would be fined up to P5,000 or must render up to eight hours of community service, depending on the offense count.

Zamora reminded city residents that alcohol consumption may be done only inside homes while observing physical distancing.

“People can drink only in their houses and restaurants. Drinking along streets and other public places is prohibited,” he said.

As of Aug. 30, San Juan recorded nine new cases, bringing to 1,698 the total number of COVID-19 infections. The city has 593 active cases concentrated in at least 14 villages, 67 deaths and 1,297 recoveries.