Divisoria shoppers urged to ‘shop with care’

FILE: Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso (left) and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (right) inspect the Divisoria market on Thursday (Dec. 3, 2020). The two officials reminded the public that Covid-19 is still in the country and that everyone must continue to follow minimum public health safety protocols. (Photo: Isko Moreno Domagoso/Facebook)

MANILA – Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday reminded shoppers at the Divisoria market to observe health protocols for the holiday season amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Malaking hamon sa amin na bantayan ang mga pamilihan para panatilihin ang pagsunod sa public health protocols tulad ng pagsusuot ng face masks at pagpapatupad ng physical distancing ngayong holiday season (It is a big challenge for us to monitor markets and make the public follow health protocols like wearing their face masks and observing physical distancing this holiday season),” Domagoso said during their visit to the market.

The visit came as shoppers seemed to forget the observance of physical distancing as they trooped to the area to shop for the holiday season.

Domagoso said nobody wants to put to waste all the efforts done by the government in mitigating the spread of Covid-19.

He said the visit of the health department to Manila only means two things, its either they appreciate all the efforts being done by the local government or they are worried about the city’s health status.

While he understands that the place is popular for cheap items and merchandise, Domagoso said saving money would become useless for shoppers once they contract the virus.

“Walang bibig sa baba. Ang mask, nilalagay sa bibig, tinatakpan ang ilong. Walang ilong sa baba at leeg. pinipilit gampanan ng pamahalaan ang kanyang tungkulin, obligasyon at responsibilidad pero bilang mamamayan meron tayong responsibilidad (We do not have a mouth on our chins. The mask is to cover the mouth and nose. We do not have a nose on our neck. The government is doing its obligations but you as citizens, we also have our own responsibilities),” Domagoso said.

Meanwhile, Duque said the DOH appreciates all the efforts of the Manila city government in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

He also reminded everyone to follow DOH’s ‘BIDA Solusyon’ that encourages the public to wear their mask, sanitize their hands, observe physical distancing, and stay informed.