Residents flock to supermarkets ahead of 2-week ECQ in NCR
A supermarket in Quezon City became crowded on Thursday with residents stocking up on essential goods ahead of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila from August 6 to 20.
According to Bernadette Reyes' report on "24 Oras," residents said they want to be prepared so they don't need to go out of their homes during the ECQ enforces due to the threat of the more transmissible Delta variant.
Several senior citizens, who are not authorized persons outside their residence, also went grocery shopping because they might not be able to go out anymore.
"Senior na ako baka mamaya hindi ako makalabas sa bahay so namili na ako ngayong hapon," Mercedes Escober said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry assured the public that there will be enough supply during the ECQ and that groceries, supermarkets and wet markets will remain open.
"Hindi naman tayo mawawalan ng supply at puwede naman pong lumabas para bumili ng essentials," DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.
Earlier, the Quezon City government announced it will set a limit on the number of items or goods a person can buy during the ECQ. It also directed barangays to issue quarantine passes.
Quezon City Mayor Belmonte said the move is to prevent panic buying and hoarding.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News