DILG exec warns return to ECQ after some areas under GCQ ignore social distancing

Several areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ) started to forego precautionary measures against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to Emil Sumangil’s Thursday report on 24 Oras.

After the enhanced community quarantine was lifted in Cagayan de Oro and was placed under GCQ, some residents have failed to observe social distancing measures, the report said.

Despite some enforcers monitoring the situation in public markets, consumers continued to crowd stores to buy food and other basic necessities.

Meanwhile, in Cotabato City, consumers forewent physical distancing measures as they flock markets.

In Bulan, Sorsogon, the number of consumers doubled in public markets after the ECQ was relaxed.

“Mas mahirap po ngayon ‘yong sa GCQ kasi ‘di po namin mabilang o ma-control ‘yong pumapasok sa vicinity ng market,” Ted de Leon, a public market employee in Sorsogon, said.

In Dipaculao, Aurora, some market vendors were not even wearing face masks.

Interior Undersecretary Martin Diño said if residents in GCQ areas continue to ignore precautionary measures against COVID-19, the government will be forced to place them in an ECQ anew.

“‘Pag lumala na naman ang bilang ng mga nahahawa sa kanila, agad-agad ‘yan ibabalik ulit natin ‘yan sa enhanced community quarantine,” Diño said.

He added he will issue show cause orders to local government units who will not impose strict quarantine protocols.

“Agad-agad, padadalhan natin ng show cause order at page-explain natin ‘yong barangay captain o ‘yong mayor na hindi sumunod dito sa social distancing,” Diño said. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/MDM, GMA News