Navotas shuts markets, stores for disinfection

NAVOTAS City Mayor Tobias Tiangco has issued an executive order directing the closure of all public markets, flea markets, grocery stores and supermarkets every Monday to give way for massive cleaning and disinfection.

He told The Manila Times that he decided to issue the order after receiving reports from the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit that coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases had increased by 349 percent in February alone.

As of February 27, Navotas had 301 active cases, 5, 563 recoveries and 193 deaths.

At least 11 markets and 10 grocery stores/supermarkets would be affected by the order, according to Irish Cubillan, the city’s public information officer.

“The mayor was much aware that in these places which are frequented by the people where virus transmission was observed and reported,” Cubillan said.

Tiangco appealed to the public for understanding as he urged people to be more conscious in following minimum health and safety protocols especially the wearing of facemasks and observing physical distancing amid the continued surge of Covid-19 cases.

“Tungkulin po natin na gawin ang lahat ng makakaya para maiwasan ang hawaan. Kailangan magmalasakit po tayo sa isa’t isa. Kahit malakas po tayo at hindi natin iindahin kung magkaroon man tayo ng Covid-19, paano naman po ang iba na mahihina ang katawan at maaaring mamatay dahil sa sakit na ito (It’s our duty to do everything possible to prevent contamination. We should all look after each other. While some of us may have strong body resistance against infection, we should be mindful of those with weak immunity who may not survive the virus)?” the mayor said.

The City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office, village authorities and the Caloocan City Fire Station have been tasked to take charge of the general cleaning and disinfection of these establishments.

The city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office and Public Information Oficce were directed to disseminate the executive order for the information of the public, as well as market, supermarket and grocery store operators.

“The Public Information Office shall continue to educate everyone on maintaining physical distancing, wearing of face masks and shields and importance of hand-washing,”Tiangco’s order said.