Palace calls for strict adherence to health protocols at the Manila Bay

Malacañang has warned the public on Monday that violating physical distancing protocols is the “surest” way of acquiring COVID-19 amid the crowding at the Manila Bay over the weekend.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the influx of people to check out the artificial white sands shows that the DENR has made the right decision to improve the bay.

However, Roque said that health protocols must be strictly observed in the area to prevent transmission of the virus. Police personnel were also called on to enforce such protocols.

“Ang panawagan lang namin sa taumbayan na surest way po na kayo ay magkaroon ng COVID ay huwag kayong mag-social distancing (Our appeal to the people is that the surest way to have COVID-19 is to ignore social distancing),” Roque cautioned.

“Ang White Beach naman po riyan is around 7,000 square meters (The White Beach is around 7,000 square meters). It can accommodate 50 people at one time. Para naman po mapagbigyan ang lahat, kung pwede po five minutes per group lang diyan (If possible, only five minutes per group should be allotted to give everyone a chance),” Roque added. – Report from Mela Lesmoras