The government will keep the restrictions on liquor sale as well as withdrawals of cigarettes from factories for the rest of the extended lockdown period, as keeping Filipinos away from these “sin” products would not only keep them healthy but also protect them from getting inflicted with COVID-19, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said Monday.

As such, the liquor ban imposed by the national and local governments will stay in areas under enhanced community quarantine, while domestic cigarette production will remain on halt, save for a few lines churning out for exports.