Palace tells LGUs to implement COVID-19 measures in evacuation centers

Malacañang on Monday reminded local government units (LGUs) in areas affected by Typhoon Quinta to make sure that COVID-19 measures are being implemented.

Speaking at a news conference, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks must be followed and evacuees who show symptoms of COVID-19 must be isolated.

“Kinakailangan din mag-obserba ng COVID-19 mitigation measures sa pamamahagi ng mga relief goods at management ng evacuation centers,” he said.

“Bawal pa rin ang mass gatherings at inaabisuhan ang LGUs na maglagay ng designated areas na may appropriate safety markings.”

President Rodrigo Duterte has been monitoring the situation in affected areas, his former top aide and Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said.

Quinta lashed several provinces in Luzon, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people. It also caused flooding and toppled power lines.

Carrying maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 150 kph, Quinta is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday morning, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

PAGASA also said a low pressure area located east of Southern Luzon might enter PAR on Wednesday or Thursday morning but is less likely to develop into tropical depression in the next 48 hours. — RSJ, GMA News