Muntinlupa, QC set stricter rules for market goers to prevent overcrowding

SCARE TACTIC A casket bearing a warning about the perils of not wearing a face mask outside the Visayas Avenue wet and dry market in Quezon City draws a lot of attention from market goers on Thursday. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Muntinlupa and Quezon City officials have started implementing more stringent rules to make sure that market goers observe quarantine rules, particularly physical distancing, to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said that effective on April 16, those going to the Muntinlupa City Public Market (MCPM) in Alabang could do so only three times a week “from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. depending on the schedule of their respective barangays.”

Based on the schedule, only residents of Barangays Tunasan, Poblacion, Putatan and Bayanan would be allowed at MCPM on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

On the other hand, those from Barangays Alabang, Ayala Alabang, Cupang, Buli and Sucat could go marketing on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The market would be closed on Mondays for cleaning and disinfection.

Only 50 people at a time would be allowed inside the MCPM to ensure that physical distancing was being observed. Those without masks would be barred from entry, including seniors, pregnant women, persons with disabilities and children.

In Quezon City, all 8 city-owned and 73 privately-owned markets were ordered to regulate the entry of customers to maintain social distancing.

“We understand that our residents still need to go out and buy their essentials such as food. That’s why we make sure to keep them safe by enforcing the protocols of social distancing and the wearing of face masks,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Market operators were instructed to observe the ratio of at least 1 square meter per person. “If their walkway measures 20 square meters, only 20 people should be allowed entry at any given time. Market owners are also instructed to ensure order at entrance points,” said Alberto Kimpo, assistant city administrator for operations.

Procorpio Lipana of the city’s Market Development and Administration Department said they would implement single entry and exit points in every market to prevent mass entry.

Sinks, clean water and alcohol for handwashing must be made available and placed near the entrances and exits, he added.