Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 20) — The Department of Interior and Local Government reminded local government units to stop the imposition of window hours in markets and other establishments which only worsened problems in enforcing social distancing.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Monday reiterated the recent call of the Interior Department to strengthen basic infection prevention in public places while the Luzon-wide community quarantine is still in place.
Citing the agency’s advisory issued last Saturday, he said the order was addressed to all local government units to discontinue the use of “narrow or limited window period” on the access to public and private establishments such as wet markets, supermarkets, grocery stores and pharmacies.
“The imposition of such restrictions further creates congestion of people who flock to these establishments at the same time, and poses risks on the implementation of social distancing,” the order read.
Local officials are encouraged to instead schedule or cluster communities when allowing those who may go out to buy basic goods.
In a separate briefing, Interior Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya encouraged LGUs to organize market on wheels or “mobile palengkes” to minimize public gatherings.
“Sana po yung mga LGUs, maorganisa na ang mobile markets para hindi na makapunta sa malalaking public markets ang mga tao that cause problems in so far as mass gathering is concerned,” Malaya said during the Laging Handa presser with other government officials.
[Translation: We hope that the LGUs can organize mobile markets so that people do not have to go to public markets which cause problems in so far as mass gathering is concerned.]
The advisory also recommended online marketing and delivery of goods in partnership with local producers, manufacturers, and distributors to residential communities.
In his televised address last Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out at quarantine violators, warning that he may impose a “martial law-type” of discipline if they continue going against government orders.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed on Sunday the veracity of an internal memo of the Philippine Air Force that circulated on social media. It directed unit commanders to “prepare for strict implementation” of what it described as an “extensive enhanced community quarantine.”
The Quezon City government previously ordered a stop to retail selling in Balintawak markets as crowds were still seen in the area despite the quarantine.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases had already deployed soldiers and policemen in public markets to enforce social distancing measures.
The Luzon-wide quarantine, which started last March 17, is expected to end on April 30. The government has yet to decide whether it will follow recommendations to extend the lockdown for two more weeks while it grapples with rising COVID-19 cases.
The Philippines has 6,259 COVID-19 cases to date, with 572 recoveries and 409 deaths.
