Essential workers brave COVID-19 scare to report for daily duties

Essential service workers continue to provide goods and necessities to the public amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat in the country.

According to a 24 Oras report by Ivan Mayrina, delivery riders, security guards and pharmacists continue to serve the people despite the high risk of COVID-19.

Like the country’s health care workers, these people are considered frontliners because they ensure that basic services are provided to the public daily.

Gummy Leonardo, a GrabFood rider, said he continued working because he needs to earn for his family.

“Sinasamantala po namin ‘yong lakas ng biyahe,” he said.

Meanwhile, Edgar Bagason, a delivery man of medical supplies, said he wants to be of service to the public.

“Trabaho pa rin kasi kailangan talaga ‘yong gamot para sa mga tao eh. Kahit papaano nagtitiis na lang kami sa init at pabalik-balik,” he said.

In his address to the nation on Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte thanked frontliners such as those from the government agencies, groceries, banks, food establishments and delivery services for working and serving the people amid the crisis.

He also praised the doctors who succumbed to the virus in the line of duty.

“Bihira akong sumasaludo ng tao pero ‘pag mga doktor natin, mga health workers na nadisgrasya, talagang saludo ako sa inyo. Wala na kayo dito sa mundong ito pero ganun na lang ang pagtingin ko sa inyo.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country reached 636 with 38 deaths and 26 recoveries. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News