Metro Manila Mayors Urge Malls, Shops To Close During Community Quarantine
METRO MANILA – The mayors of Metro Manila asked malls and shops to close during the month-long “community quarantine.”
On Thursday night, Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced that Metro Manila will be placed under “community quarantine” to control the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. As of Thursday, the total virus cases in the country stand at 64.
Om March 14, Malacañang Palace announced that they are extending the suspension of classes and government work in the captial until April 14, 2020. “Provide adequate arrangements to allow students to continue fulfilling their requirements during said period,” the memorandum wrote.
The government officials advised the public to avoid the crowds and stay at home amid the coronavirus crisis. Based on a report from Rappler, the mayors in Metro Manila asked malls and other establishments to suspend operations on the eve of the 30-day lockdown to stem the spread of the Wuhan virus.
During the Metro Manila Council on March 14, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said the mayor of the National Capital Region (NCR) made the collective call stop the mall operations except for the supermarkets, medical facilities, groceries, banks, pharmacies, and restaurants with home delivery.
According to the report, the mayors “strongly recommend to all Local Legislative Councils of the NCR to issue ordinary ordinances for the temporary close of malls and establishments of the same kind, except those offering essential services (i.e groceries, supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants with home deliveries, and establishments offering medical services) from 14 March 2020 until 13 April 2020, subject to day-to-day evaluation and other exemptions that their city or municipality may enact.”
In a previous article, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) imposed a curfew from 8 pm to 5 am in Metro Manila during the month-long community quarantine period.
What can you say about this article? Leave your comments and reactions below.
