People flock to Divisoria amid Alert Level 2 in NCR

People flocked to Divisoria in Manila for early Christmas shopping, taking advantage of the looser COVID-19 restrictions in the National Capital Region.

According to Jamie Santos’ 24 Oras Weekend report on Saturday, several posters were placed to urge vendors and buyers to strictly follow health protocols including social distancing.

Police officers were also patrolling the area to ensure that shoppers and vendors adhered to safety protocols.

However, some shoppers said they were not afraid of getting infected because they are already vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Ingat na lang. Hindi na lang po makikipagdikit-dikit,” a shopper said.

(Just take precautions. Avoid getting too close to another person.)

Still, vendors expressed happiness as many buyers were coming in during the weekend.

“Kahit papaano po marami na ngayon kasi nakakalabas na ang mga bata,” a vendor said.

(There are many customers now because children are now allowed to go outside.) 

Metro Manila will stay under Alert Level 2 until the end of the month, Malacañang announced on Saturday.

Under Alert Level 2, establishments will be allowed to operate indoors at 50% capacity with additional 10% capacity if they have a safety seal. For outdoors, they will be allowed at 70%. — Richa Noriega/VBL, GMA News