Last-minute Christmas shoppers pack Divisoria, malls

Shoppers on Christmas eve rushed to Divisoria in Manila for their last-minute purchases for low-priced gifts for their loved ones.

According to Tina Panganiban-Perez’s report on “24 Oras,” senior citizens, those with children and those without face masks and face shields were turned away by authorities.

Police and barangay officials have been reminding shoppers non-stop to observe the minimum health standards amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

There was also a long line at Ylaya Street due to temperature checks.

Aside from Divisoria, malls in Quezon City also observed a spike in volume of shoppers.

In JP Soriano’s report, shoppers were seen buying gifts for their loved ones despite limited budgets.

There were also marshalls patrolling the mall to remind shoppers of the health and safety protocols.

This is the first Christmas to be spent by Filipinos amid lockdowns, massive loss of jobs, and health crisis posed by the health crisis.

COVID-19 has claimed 9,055 lives in the Philippines as of December 24, and vaccine availability is being eyed by March 2021. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News