Physical distancing violations in malls ‘fake news’; crowd was only at 20% — DTI
The viral images and videos depicting physical distancing violations in the newly reopened malls are fake news, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez told the House of Representatives on Monday.
Lopez, serving as a resource person in the virtual hearing held by the House Defeat COVID-19 Committee's (DCC) "New Normal" Cluster panel, showed the congressmen several pictures that indicated low attendance in malls.
"These are actual pictures. We made an inspection yesterday (Sunday) just for me to see and verify the various fake news coming out that there are so many people violating social distancing during the opening of malls,” Lopez said.
"So, we checked personally some malls in the metropolis that were usually full on Sundays. Dito, we can see na hindi naman ganun kadami ang tao (the crowd wasn't that huge),” he said.
The Trade secretary's observation was opposite that of the viral videos online showing a steady stream of people entering malls and people in a huddle.
Some malls in Metro Manila reopened as early as May 15, when the strict enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was downgraded to modified ECQ (MECQ). Lopez didn't specify which mall or malls were inspected.
Only 20 percent filled “While we were interviewing, doing a quick survey, the crowd is only about 20 percent of what a typical Sunday afternoon [is], pre-COVID,” Lopez said.
He said the total of in-mall stores that opened could also be pegged at 20 percent.
“What really opened up were the supermarkets and drug stores. Because even the food areas were only for take out and delivery. So, kontingkonti po ang tao (So there were really few people),” Lopez said.
As a rule, he said that only one person is allowed to occupy a space of two square meters at any given time at a store or shop inside the mall. He said the mall goers are “told to proceed with their errands and buy what they need to buy.”
Lopez also told lawmakers about the presence of marshals who reminded people to observe physical distancing and foot traffic rules inside the mall based on markers or partitions that have been set up.
“So those are just examples of what we saw. Again, there is no truth to all the fake news trying to discredit what the government has just decided [to slowly allow businesses to reopen] even partially [by] 50 percent, many of the stalls inside the malls,” he said.
Deputy Speaker and Antique lone district Rep. Loren Legarda chairs the New Normal Cluster of the DCC.
Not a mistake
Despite lamenting the complete disregard for physical distancing in malls on Saturday, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the decision to place Metro Manila under MECQ until May 31 was not a mistake because of the need to revitalize the economy.
But Roque warned the public that this can still change if they will not follow health protocols to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"Because it's the obligation of the State to protect the public, we can always go back to ECQ. That's why we appeal to the public, we allowed businesses to resume because we need to open the economy. That is not a reason to go to the mall," he added.
"What's done is done. A lot will be infected because of what we did. But I hope it won't happen again because I, myself, do not want to go back to ECQ," he continued.
Roque explained that the decision to shift to MECQ was not just because of the economy.
"It is scientific and economic. We consider all of these in the decisions made by the IATF. The decision was made that there is a five-day doubling rate and we have capacity as of now para magbigay ng (to provide) critical care at medical attention para sa mga magkakasakit (for those who will get sick)," he said.
"Pero ang assumption po natin full cooperation ng ating mga kababayan (But this is under the assumption that everybody will cooperate)," he added.
Health services capacity Roque warned the public that if they continue to disregard health protocols, particularly physical distancing, many people will get sick to the point that hospitals will not be able to handle it.
"The number of COVID-19 cases
in the country continues to rise slowly in the past two months. If we do not observe physical distancing, you will see that this curve will shoot up," he said.
According to Roque, the country only has 13,457 bed capacity for COVID-19 patients. Of these, 9,468 are isolation beds (37.70 percent occupied), 1,303 are ICU beds (35.50 percent occupied); 2,686 are ward beds (34.80 percent occupied); and 963 ventilators (19.40 percent in use)
"Perhaps in one or two weeks, we will run out of beds and you will be placed on the streets if you get sick," he said.
Liability
Roque likewise warned mall owners they can be closed down or held criminally liable under the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act if they fail to strictly implement minimum health protocols inside their establishments.
“They need to have enough employees and security personnel to implement the guidelines, otherwise they can be closed down," Roque added.
Under the MECQ, malls are partially allowed to operate as long as physical distancing in implemented inside the establishments. Only those from 21-59 years old may enter unless a senior citizen works there or needs to obtain essential goods or services. Those who look sick are also not allowed inside malls.
Everyone is required to wear face masks inside malls and to have their temperature taken before being allowed inside.
Some Twitter users reminded the public of the price to pay for leaving one’s home during the health emergency.
"If your family member gets infected, you don't get to hug or comfort them as they suffer. If they die, you don't get to say goodbye, except to an urn full of ashes. Let that sink in before you go to the mall and bring home 'pasalubong (gift),'" a post read.
"Be selfless by considering others when you have to go outside. Don't make your life shorter than expected," another netizen wrote. (With a report from Czarina Nicole Ong Ki)