To prevent excessive shopping by residents in stores before the strictest lockdown in Metro Manila will be implemented on Friday, Quezon City will limit what can be bought in the markets.
It will be recalled that the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will be implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) from August 6 to 20 due to the kick-off of COVID-19 cases and the increase in cases of its more contagious Delta variant.
“We have to impose limits to avoid panic buying and hoarding that may lead to supply problems and could prevent other citizens from purchasing the needs of their families during the ECQ,” QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement Wednesday.
“Mas mabuti na ngayon pa lang ay nakalatag na ang polisiyang ito upang magkaroon ng pagkakataon ang lahat na makabili ng kanilang pangangailangan.”
Here is the limit to be imposed per person who buys daily necessities, under Ordinance No. SP-2948 S-2020:
- sardines, per brand (5)
- other canned goods such as meatloaf or corned beef, per brand (10)
The mayor assured that the food supply in QC would be sufficient while the delivery of goods under the ECQ will not be restricted.
Quezon City controls panic buying amid ECQ
Under the ECQ, leaving the house is prohibited if you:
- do not go out to buy food/medicine
- will not be vaccinated against COVID-19
- will not go to work
- will not do other essential travels
The directive will take effect at midnight Friday, in conjunction with the return of 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. and curfew.
The obligation to issue “quarantine passes” issued by the barangay will be reinstated, given to one person per household who would have been fully vaccinated without a company ID or Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) ID.
Belmonte will once again ban the sale of alcohol and the operation of services such as barbershops, nail spas, parlors, and salons.
Essential indoor businesses such as supermarkets, markets, etc., should also be limited. In addition, adequate ventilation should also be provided to prevent infection with COVID-19.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.