Early morning shoppers troop to Blumentritt market

At dawn on Wednesday, hundreds of people trooped to the Blumentritt Market following a schedule set by the government to avoid overcrowding amid the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine implemented, GMA News' James Agustin reported.

Shoppers would be allowed inside the market from 5 a.m. up to 12 noon to avoid overcrowding and to implement the social distancing rule as part of efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

By 4 a.m., the people already formed a beeline outside the marketplace and by 5 a.m. they were allowed to enter the site.

The vulnerable members of society including senior citizens, pregnant women, and people with disabilities were not allowed to enter the market while designated shoppers were required to wear face masks and bring their quarantine pass.

On Tuesday, market goers were seen not observing social distancing as they crowded Blumentritt Market.

The Manila Public Information Office said many people went to Blumentritt Market since Balintawak Market has been closed and prohibited from retail selling.

Local officials then met to discuss new measures and restrictions to be implemented in the area. —BAP/KG, GMA News