LGUs remind public to observe MECQ measures in malls

Local government officials of the cities of Mandaluyong and San Juan on Monday reminded the public that while several malls have reopened, modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) measures remain in place, such as physical distancing.

Mall operators such as the SM Group and the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls earlier announced stricter health security measures once their operations resume, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.

According to Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita "Menchie" Abalos, only those who have businesses outside are allowed to go outside and visit malls.

"Nasa modified ECQ pa rin tayo. Hindi pa rin puwedeng lumabas kahit sino. Isa lang sa bawat pamilya ang puwedeng lumabas," she said in a report on GMA's "24 Oras" on Monday.

"Hindi pa rin po puwedeng mag-malling kasi ang aircon, kung mapapansin niyo, hindi ganon kalakas," she added.

This was echoed by San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier Zamora, who said that mall operators in the area will not be allowed to resume operations until all employees are screened free of the coronavirus measures.

"Dapat i-screen nila ang kanilang mga empleyado. Siguraduhin na sila ay fit to go back to work, siguraduhin na wala silang sintomas ng COVID, siguraduhin na wala silang ubo at sipon at isumite nila 'yan," he said in the same report.

"Hindi na magiging dikit-dikit 'yung mga tiangge gaya ng dati kasi nakasanayan ng lahat na libo libo talagang tiangge nandito sa Shopping Centre at diki-dikit sila. Ngayon, kailangan nating sundin ang social distancing. 'Yung mga tiangge ngayon ay magkakaroon ng puwang," Zamora elaborated. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/LDF, GMA News