MANILA, Philippines — A cafe in East Kamias, Quezon City which was turned into a shelter for the homeless was ordered close after a barangay official said the establishment allegedly failed to follow quarantine protocols against COVID-19.
The Popburri cafe posted on social media that barangay officials ordered its closure on March 27, in violation of enhanced community quarantine conditions.
“At 6am this morning Kagawad Julius Sevilla announced the permanent shut down of the Popburri Homeless Shelter at 67 k-8 street East Kamias QC. This was in response to the decision made by our Barangay Captain Octavio “bing” Garces on March 27,” read the post.
The cafe said it followed protocols such as mandatory fever check, health interview, disinfection of the facility, face masks and social distancing.
“Last night 72 homeless clients slept safe and sound under these protocols. Unfortunately, these did not meet the requirements,” the cafe wrote on a Facebook post.
With this, the cafe said it will distribute food packs, grocery bags and donations to neighbors and customers in the barangay.
“We will also be driving around to locations where the karitons sit within our community to distribute goods until this lockdown ends,” it said.
Previously, the cafe became a home for people who do not have shelter amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon. It turned its cafe into a shelter which offers food, running water and soap for the homeless.