‘Super’, fish port allowed to reopen

After being subjected to total lockdown last week, the Iloilo Terminal Market or “Super” will reopen today, Aug 17 while the COVID-19 hit Iloilo Fishing Port Complex (IFPC) still awaits approval from its management, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas announced on Sunday.

“The Iloilo Terminal Market will be open tomorrow up to 5 p.m. only. The fish section will be along Fuentes Street. Iloilo Terminal Market schedule of fish vendors: 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.” he said on Sunday.

Treñas added that the operations of all public markets in the metro will now be limited from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the city’s effort to contain Covid-19.

Massive disinfection was conducted at the Iloilo Terminal Market and the Iloilo Fishing Port. Physical markings were also installed to ensure the practice of social distancing.

In a radio interview, Maricel Mabacquiao, officer in charge of the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO), assured that strict health protocols will now be imposed at the Iloilo Terminal Market.

Among the protocols include the mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields of all market vendors.

Meanwhile, Treñas said he already gave the greenlight for the Iloilo Fishing Port to reopen. However, the final decision will depend on their management.

“The fishing port is already allowed to open but it will depend on their management when they will open and announcements will be made by them,” he said.

The Iloilo Fishing Port was first placed under lockdown last August 2 after a Covid-19 fatality was recorded in the area.

After the index case, a surge of Covid-19 cases was detected in the area which has now reached over 100.

Due to its proximity with the fish port, Iloilo Terminal Market or Super was also placed under lockdown by the authorities.

The City Covid-19 Team confirmed that two cases were recorded from the area involving two fish vendors.

To prevent the transmission of the virus, the management of the IFPC said they will impose protocols which include consistent sanitation, enhanced security at the area, establishment of more hand washing areas, one-way flow of traffic and installing a logbook for sellers and buyers as an aid for contact tracing. (ERS)