Authorities remind public of health protocols as buyers flock to markets

Authorities warned the public to strictly observe health protocols, especially physical distancing, as streets, markets, and malls in the metro are again overcrowded with Ilonggos doing grocery shopping for Media Noche or New Year’s Eve celebration amid the threats of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In the downtown area in City Proper district, the streets are flooded with people and vendors selling fruits that are in demand this New Year.

While it is a good opportunity for retailers and other businesses, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded both consumers and sellers to strictly comply with health standards set by the national and local government.

DTI-Iloilo director Judith Degala said consumers on shopping rush should not disregard the protocols, especially physical distancing.

“Importante nga observe gid ang physical distancing, indi ta pag-i-disregard ang health protocols nga gina-implement. Panumdumon naton na although New Year halungan ta aton lawas by complying with the health protocol like pagsuksok sang face mask ukon face shield kag physical distancing,” she said in a media interview on Wednesday.

Similarly, Degala said businesses should also comply with the health protocols and should not take advantage of the demand for their products.

“Ang DTI balance aton pagulikid, indi lang sa consumers but business establishments so ang aton ginahingyo sa business establishments and retailers, sunod lang kita sa ginapatuman nga regulasyon. Indi naton pag-itake advantage ang tion nga mabakal ang produkto, dira lang kita sa husto nga presyuhanay,” she added.

Department of Health (DOH) Department Circular 2020-0355 has classified online masses, Noche Buena or Media Noche with one’s family at home, online video calls and online shopping as safe activities, based on a report by One News PH.

Under the memo, holding a small gathering outside one’s home or in public areas that are compliant with physical distancing and restrictions on mass gatherings is considered a moderate-risk activity.

Meanwhile, high-risk activities include attending indoor religious activities with many attendees, singing, speaking loudly, physical contact, shopping in crowded malls and flea markets, and large gatherings inside a building.

The health department advised the public to prefer activities with only a short duration of contact, avoid high-touch surfaces, ensure proper ventilation at venues, and increase physical and mental resilience.

In Iloilo City, the city government has imposed an executive order (EO) strongly encouraging the public to hold Christmas/New Year gatherings with attendees limited to members of the family living in the same household.

Families that do not live in the same household who wish to get together for Christmas or New Year must do so in outdoor venues and with proper observance of physical distancing.

Virtual get-togethers and Christmas/New Year parties/gatherings held within the premises of one’s home are highly encouraged.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has ordered the mandatory use of face shields outside of residence in Iloilo province through E.O. No. 183-1 to “minimize if not eliminate the exposure of citizens and arrest the sustained increase in the incidence and transmission of Covid-19” in the province. (ERS)