Officials order temporary closure of market in Sierra Bullones, Bohol due to COVID-19

TAGBILARAN CITY - The public market in Sierra Bullones town, Bohol was temporarily closed starting on Monday to prevent mass gathering after the town recorded a single-day record of 14 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Froilan Halina, market administrator of the Sierra Bullones Public Market, said that at least 100 vendors and stall owners were affected including those vendors from the towns of Pilar, Carmen, Talibon and Mabini.

People gather at the market to buy goods on Monday, market day.

"As of now, we advised them not to sell their goods kay likayan nato ang daghang tapok sa mga tawo sa merkado," said Halina in a phone interview.

Market-goers cannot visit the market, he added.

Halina said they will also conduct disinfection protocol within and outside the premises of the public market.

An intensive contact tracing was also quickly performed to prevent the spread of the disease.

“The operation of the public market will resume once the safety protocols are done,” Halina said.

The local government reminded residents  to always wear face masks and avoid going outside of their homes if not for basic necessities and emergency purposes.

At present, Sierra Bullones has 26 confirmed COVID-19 cases of which 15 cases were considered local transmission.

Bohol has recorded 464 confirmed COVID-19 cases. It has 63 active cases, 391 recoveries and 10 deaths. -- BAP, GMA News