Market-goers crowd in Blumentritt amid quarantine

Consumers failed to observe social distancing measures against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as they flocked to a market in Blumentritt in Manila on Tuesday morning.

According to Super Radyo dzBB's Isa Umali, despite wearing their face masks, consumers still violated precautionary measures such as physical distancing.

Meanwhile, the Manila Public Information Office said consumers trooped to the market due to the closure of the Balintawak Market.

Acting secretary to the mayor Manuel Zarcal and Manila barangay bureau chief Romeo Bagay already convened the five barangay chairpersons and a police officer who have jurisdiction over the markets in Blumentritt regarding the matter.

The officials discussed new measures and restrictions that will be implemented in the area after the influx of consumers.

As of Monday, the Philippine National Police has recorded a total of 108,088 violators of the guidelines of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

According to the data from PNP deputy chief for operations and Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, the highest number of violators were in Luzon with 64,946.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Eleazar continued to remind the public to observe precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus.

He said most violators were just accosted while others have been held in detention facilities. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF/KG, GMA News