Bacoor residents moving in circles to ensure social distancing amid COVID-19

The local government of Bacoor in Cavite is requiring people to move in circles outside their homes to stop the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing.

According to Oscar Oida’s report on “24 Oras",  residents are required to stand in circles painted one meter apart on sidewalks hile waiting in line for their turn at places of business.

Dubbed the “Circle of Life," the system of white circles can be found outside various establishments in Bacoor such as markets, groceries, money remittance centers, pharmacies and banks.

"Ito ay tinawag nating 'Circle of Life' na sila na ang kusang tumutungtong sa mga bilog at 'pag mayroon nang lumabas doon sa palengke at tsaka uusad 'yong mga nakatayo sa bilog so naging organized na," Police Lieutenant Colonel Vicente Cabatinga of the Bacoor Philippine National Police, said.

"Mayroon din tayong mga martial doon sa loob. Kasama natin 'yong tiga market. Once na makita nilang may lumabas na na lima, lima lang din ang papapasukin," Cabatinga added.

Even the Zapote Market, which was usually crowded with market-goers, is now well-organized.

Cabatinga said this is also the police's way of determining who violates quarantine protocols.

"'Pag nakita naming 'di siya nakatayo doon sa bilog, alam namin na siya ay magwi-withdraw o magpapadala. Unlike before na halos lahat ng madaanan namin is binababaan namin," he said.

Bacoor residents commended the LGU's scheme, saying it will really teach people discipline and make them observe precautionary measures.

"Maganda ang resulta. 'Yong mga tao nagkaroon ng disiplina. 'Di na nagdidikit-dikit," a resident said.

As of April 17, Bacoor has 34 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Nationwide, the number of COVID-19 cases reached 6,459, including 428 deaths and 613 recoveries as of Monday. -Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News