Palace asks consumers to buy only what they need amid COVID-19 scare

Malacañang on Wednesday advised consumers not to panic buy following a surge in the number of coronavirus infections in the country.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo appealed to the public “to buy only what they need” as panic buying would only result in “undue hoarding and price increases.”

“Our officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) gave assurances that we have ample stock of essential items,” he said.

Panelo also addressed reports of overcrowding in hospitals linked to the COVID-19 scare.

He said those considered close contacts with symptoms of COVID-19 should be prioritized in obtaining medical attention and management.

Close contacts include persons with a travel history in the last 14 days to countries with local transmission or those who have a history of exposure to patients who tested positive for the virus, he said.

People who provided direct care for an infected patient or those working together, staying in the same close environment, traveling together, or living in the same household with a COVID-19 patient within the 14-day incubation period are also considered as close contacts, according to Panelo.

Panelo also reiterated the government’s call for the public not to circulate unverified information and maintain good hygiene and observe proper etiquette at all times.

“We cannot stress enough the importance of everyone's cooperation during this time,” he said.

The Philippines, now under a state of public health emergency, already has 33 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday, according to the Department of Health. — RSJ, GMA News