QC issues rules vs panic buying, hoarding during ECQ

(FILE) OUT OF STOCK A shopper walks past empty shelves at a grocery store in Makati City. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has issued guidelines to prevent panic buying and hoarding as it prepares for the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to be imposed in Metro Manila from August 6 to August 20 to further curb the COVID-19  transmission.

“We have to impose limits to avoid panic buying and hoarding that may lead to supply problems and could prevent other citizens from purchasing the needs of their families during the ECQ,” QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement on Wednesday.

Under Ordinance No. SP-2948 S-2020 or Regulating the Selling of Basic Necessities During Calamities, an individual may only buy up to five cans of sardines per brand. Other canned goods will be limited to 10 cans per brand.

Moreover, Belmonte guaranteed residents that the city has sufficient food supply, and delivery will remain operational during ECQ. Despite this, the mayor stressed the importance of regulating the selling of basic commodities during this pandemic.

“Mas mabuti na ngayon pa lang ay nakalatag na ang polisiyang ito upang magkaroon ng pagkakatoan ang lahat na makabili ng kanilang pangangailangan,” Belmonte said.

The city chief also ordered essential business establishments in indoor facilities, such as supermarkets, to ensure physical distancing among customers and proper ventilation.

Meanwhile, all business establishments operational during ECQ are directed to implement the Kyusi Pass digital contact tracing method.

Belmonte likewise ordered that only one person per family be given a quarantine pass, “preferably to a person who is fully-vaccinated and otherwise does not have a company ID or other APOR ID.”

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/MUF