Agora, Antipolo markets temporarily closed after vendors test positive for COVID-19

The Agora Market in San Juan and the new public market in Antipolo have been temporarily closed after some vendors and tenants tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to Oscar Oida's report on "24 Oras," authorities are disinfecting the Agora market after one of its vendors tested positive for the virus.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said the patient is being treated in a hospital while close contacts have been isolated and have undergone swab test.

"The best recourse here is to ensure na mabilis lumabas ang mga resulta at ang lahat po ng magiging negative sa results ay puwede nang makabalik. We will, of course, coordinate with the DOH kung ano ba talaga ang protocol," Zamora said.

The new public market in Antipolo was also temporarily closed on Monday after 18 tenants and vendors tested positive.

A local risk reduction and management officer in Antipolo said the patients have been under mandatory quarantine since June 25 and were in good condition.

"Dinala po namin sila doon sa aming isolation facility or quarantine facility na isa po sa mga local hotel po namin dito sa Antipolo. Kung saan lahat po ng kailangan nila, pagkain, toiletries, 'yung kanilang mga merienda, midnight snack, provided po," Relly Bernardo said.

"Plus 'yun pong ating mga medical staff, meron po tayo doon in case na may pangangailangan po sila. Although, sila po ay mga asymptomatic naman," he added

Contact tracing efforts in the city are on-going while police authorities and barangay officials have implemented perimeter control.

The local government also called on owners of private establishments to have their employees tested for COVID-19.

"Sana po ay ipasuri din po nila 'yung kanila pong mga tenants o mga vendors doon sa kanilang pamilihan dahil hindi ho natin masasabi na baka 'yung mga tauhan natin doon ay carrier pala ng coronavirus," Bernardo said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News