Social distancing still a problem at control points, says Eleazar

Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for operations Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar on Monday admitted that social distancing is still not properly observed at control points within entrances to Metro Manila.

In Valenzuela City, Eleazar inspected the entry and exit points which have been installed following the community quarantine in the National Capital Region due to the rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Nagiging problema pa rin. One week ago hindi natin mai-imagine na puwedeng gawin ito. Pero dahil sa pangangailangan, kaya natin gawin,” Eleazar told reporters.

According to Eleazar, drivers of vehicles, whether private or public, are also responsible of imposing social distancing among their passengers.

“Pag mayroong hindi gumagawa (social distancing), pababain. Huwag papasukin,” Eleazar said.

“The individual problems of motor vehicles, whether private or public, should be aware of this responsibility. Alam niya dapat kung ilan lang ang bilang ng dapat na nakasakay at kung paano ididistribute ito. Even for private vehicles,” Eleazar said.

Eleazar further reminded cops to strongly prevent the entry of individuals who have no important matters to attend to in Metro Manila.

“Dapat malaman ng publiko kung ano ‘yung mga guidelines kung ikaw ba ay puwedeng pumasok o hindi,” Eleazar said.

Latest data from the Department of Health stated that the confirmed cases of COVID-19 already reached 140. The number of fatalities was at 12 as of Sunday night.

The Philippine government implemented community quarantine across the metro to contain the spread of the disease. This move has been restricting the movement of people going inside and outside the region.

Meanwhile, curfews have also been implemented by various local government units to prevent individuals from roaming around the metro amid the threat of COVID-19. — RSJ, GMA News