The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying its move against public display of affection to ensure compliance with health protocols such as physical distancing amid the rise of COVID-19 cases in the country.
The directive discouraging holding hands, hugging, kissing, and acts involving physical contact in public will cover families and group of friends.
“Matagal na ‘yan. Papaigtingin lang natin kasi nga part ng IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) at mga locals are already alarmed again kasi medyo tumaas (It has long been ordered. We will just strengthen its implementation because part of the IATF and locals are already alarmed again due to slight increase [of COVID-19 cases]),” PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas said.
The government has been urging the public since the beginning of the pandemic to practice physical distancing to prevent transmission.
Deployment of PNP personnel to focus on crowded areas such as malls is being reviewed. Checkpoints will continue to operate nationwide.
The PNP is also waiting for the decision of the IATF-EID regarding the possible reimplementation of a directive that requires travel authority for travelers which was terminated on March 1. – Report from Bea Bernardo
