Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has warned to place the entire city under strict lockdown if the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases would spike due to violations on health protocols.
“‘Pag pumalo ‘yung COVID, ihihinto ko ang lahat, lahat-lahat. Hindi ako magdadalawang isip, ultimo i-lockdown ko ang buong Maynila to protect every citizen (If there’s a surge in cases, I will stop everything. I will not hesitate to put the entire Manila under lockdown to protect every citizen),” Moreno cautioned.
The verbal warning was issued following reported violations on wearing of face masks and social distancing protocols in crowded areas despite repeated prompting by the local government.
Due to crowding in Divisoria, safety measures were doubled and ropes were placed as separators along Ilaya Street to prevent convergence of shoppers. Minors are still not allowed to leave their homes unless needed.
Meanwhile, the local government has launched no contact apprehension policy between enforcers and motorists. Thirty-six cameras were installed to support the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau’s monitoring on violators of traffic law. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla
