BAGUIO CITY — The city government now requires vendors and customers to wear masks at the Baguio City Public Market, which will be open for business from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until a Luzon quarantine lapses on April 12, Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced at a Tuesday (Mar. 17) briefing.
Residents have been required to stay indoors but are permitted to purchase food at the market, provided they submit to health protocols set up to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
They must also practice “social distancing,” which was violated on the first day of the Luzon lockdown, the mayor said.
In the Benguet town of Sablan, weekly market day on Wednesdays will proceed on Mar. 18 despite the Luzon quarantine, according to a Sablan advisory.
But traders may not sell dry goods. “Only food items will be allowed to be sold at the market, such as grocery items, poultry or meat supplies, fruits, and vegetables,” said the advisory issued to the Philippine Information Agency on Tuesday.
The Sablan government discouraged residents from stocking up on too much food which may be needed by other consumers.
“Only vendors from Sablan are encouraged to do business to prevent overcrowding of market stalls,” it said, given the travel restrictions affecting outsiders.
The stalls will also be set apart to conform to the “social distancing” protocol.
“Sablan farmers are encouraged to bring produce here tomorrow, Wednesday, instead of to Baguio as public transport to the city is not allowed entry there,” the government said.
Both Baguio and Sablan cautioned market goers against lingering and advised them to proceed home as soon as done with purchases.