Mayor Isko Moreno announces approval of anti-spitting ordinance vs. COVID-19

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has announced that an ordinance prohibiting spitting in public has been passed by the City Council and will be enforced as part of the efforts of the local government to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

"Meron tayong bagong ordinansa sa lungsod ng Maynila at nais kong ipaalam ko sa inyo na ipatutupad ito ng mahigpit para maiwasan natin ang mabilis na pagkalat ng coronavirus o COVID-19," he said.

The ordinance entails "prohibiting any person from carelessly or intentiionally spitting or expelling saliva, phlegm, mucous, or other substances from the mouth in public places."

Any violation to the ordinance will be dealt with according to appropriate penalties.

"Sa madaling salita po, sa maiintindihan ng pangkalahatan, bawal na pong dumura o suminga sa mga pampublikong lugar sa lungsod ng Maynila," Moreno explained.

He added that the ordinance is the latest policy he asked from Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna and Majority Floor leader Joel Chua and members of the City Council.

The new ordinance has been approved and signed and can already be enforced.

It can be recalled that the coronavirus is transmitted through droplets, according to scientists. The virus contained in the droplets can last for a few days. It is this aspect of the novel coronavirus that experts deem as an explanation for the fast and widespread transmission of COVID-19. -- BAP, GMA News