Enforce COVID-19 protocols or face closure, Palace tells tiangge operators

BEFORE THE PANDEMIC This file photo was taken before the COVID-19 pandemic in Divisoria, Manila, a known shopping haven for cheap things with almost anything you need. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday warned tiangge or bargain market operators of possible closure if they fail to enforce the minimum health standards against COVID-19.

This word of caution from the Palace comes as more people troop to shopping places with the Christmas and New Year holidays drawing near.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said flea markets or bazaars may be shut by their local governments like what happened to some shopping malls that were temporarily shut when the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases started to gradually ease restrictions.

“Ireremind ko lang po ang mga tiangge operators, pupwede po kayong mapasara kapag hindi niyo po inobserve ang social distancing. Pupwede naman pong limitahan iyong mga pumapasok sa tiangge kailangan lang po magkaroon ng special entry at exit points,” Roque said in a televised Palace press briefing.

“Kapag hindi po kayo nagcontrol ng crowd, baka mapasara kayo lalo kayong nawalan ng negosyo,” he added.

Local government units are likewise urged to monitor shopping places in their jurisdictions to prevent the spread of the virus, which has already sickened over 400,000 people nationwide.

But Roque also reminded the public to practice self-discipline and follow health protocols to ensure a merry celebration of the holiday season.

“Responsibilidad na rin po natin ‘yan because kinakailangan nga abutan natin ‘yung libreng bakuna,” the Palace official said.

“Alam nating kinakailangang mamili para sa Pasko, pero ingatan naman natin ang ating sarili hindi lang para sa ating hanapbuhay kundi para tayo ay magkaroon ng maligayang Pasko dahil kapag kayo ay nagkasakit, nasaan ang merry Christmas?” he added.

According to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, the Department of Health is preparing a contingency plan for the possible surge in coronavirus infections as Filipinos celebrate the Christmas season.

KGA