PNP reiterates reminder to public: No PDA, observe social distancing

PNP spokesman Lt. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana. FILE PHOTO from pnp.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines—Better to show your affection at home rather than in public, that’s what the Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded the citizenry following the recent spike in Covid-19 cases the past days.

Lt. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana, PNP spokesman, said that even though commercial and recreational spaces have slowly been opened up, this doesn’t mean that the public can go dilly dallying and  break social distancing protocols.

“Couples, close friends very dear to each other, family clans and group of people showing their physical, social and romantic relationships in public, perhaps. Those are sights we can find especially when some commercial, tourism, and/or recreational establishments have reopened for them. The virus may be right before them,” said Usana.

The Philippines, which hasn’t controlled the Covid-19 pandemic, has tallied upwards of 3,000 cases for the past week.

“Infection happens to families, it can happen to anyone, anywhere. People should maintain being cautious from the spread of the virus. And if you love your spouse, your children, you have to be aware of the minimum health and safety protocols.”

That means public displays of affection like hugging or even holding hands could merit couples getting that snug reminder from the patrolling police officers in the area.

Usana said that this isn’t a new protocol and that it’s also a reminder to the public of the initial mandates from the government to maintain their distance from one another in public places, even if you’re a couple.

“This is a mere reiteration of previous advisory from the government,” said Usana. “Kahit naman po since the start of the restrictions, bawal naman po ang mga PDA talaga, bawal po magtabi at magkakausap nang malapitan ang sinuman, bawal po ang pagpunta sa mga matataong lugar na nagsisiksikan ang bawat isa. Alam po ng mga tao ang bawal po. “

(It was during the start of the restrictions that PDA was banned. Sitting next to each other and talking closely is prohibited. Going to crowded places, wherein people are standing or sitting closely to each other, is banned. The people know that these activities are not allowed.)

“Hindi naman po ito bagong news. Reiteration lang po ng implications ng pagkalat ng virus.”

(This isn’t fresh news. This is just a mere reiteration of the implications of the spread of the virus.)

JPV