29 workers at Marikina market test positive for COVID-19

Twenty-nine workers at the Marikina Public Market tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the city government to implement strict guidelines in the area to prevent the spread of the illness.

According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, almost half of the stalls in the market closed down.

As part of the city’s targeted testing, 2,000 market workers were required to undergo rapid testing. Sixty-six returned a "reactive" result and underwent swabbing for the polymerase chain reaction test.

Of this number, 29 tested positive for COVID-19. The 29 were all asymptomatic.

The patients are now confined at a quarantine center in Marikina.

To minimize the number of people in the market, Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro imposed an alternating scheme to limit the stalls allowed to open in the market per day.

Meanwhile, some market vendors such as Enchie Cruz complained of low income but understood the need to implement strict measures.

“Kakaunti ang mamimili. As in hindi na rin kami kumikita. Kumbaga minsan talo ka pa rin, paluwal ka pa rin doon sa inabono mong puhunan,” Cruz said.

Teodoro said the scheme is the price to pay for increased health safety and security.

“Kung ang kapalit naman nito ‘yong kaligtasan ng pangkalahatan, palagay ko, kaunting kawalan sa kita o sa tubo ay acceptable kaysa sa isara ng buo o i-lockdown ang palengke. Ayaw nating i-lockdown ang palengke kaya nga hindi natin isinasara, naga-alternate system na lang tayo,” Teodoro said.

Moreover, several vendors also urged Marikina residents to still buy at the market.

“Kami rin pong mga tindera dito may result na rin po kami. Negative din po kami so ‘wag silang matakot,” Lilet Panuringan said. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News