Supermarkets shorten operating hours due to Metro Manila curfew

Many supermarkets in Metro Manila have reduced their operating hours after enforcing a unified curfew in the capital region due to the increase in COVID-19 cases.

This includes many branches of SM Supermarkets, Hypermarket, and Savemore that are only operational until 8 pm.

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However, SM Markets still have some branches that are open until 9 pm.

The unified curfew began to be enforced in Metro Manila on Monday, starting at 10 pm until 5 am. The curfew will be in effect for 2 weeks.

Officials and experts recently observed an increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases in some areas of the country, including Metro Manila, allegedly due to the more contagious variant of the virus and people’s non-compliance with health protocols.

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Meanwhile, health protocols in supermarkets have also been tightened to prevent transmission.

At Puregold, only up to 65 years old can enter the supermarket but there are still some over that age who is forced to enter.

Some consumers also use the face shield as a headband, so Puregold staff cleans it thoroughly to make sure there is no contamination.

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Supermarkets shorten operating hours due to Metro Manila curfew

“Nagkakaroon kami ng daily disinfection sa mga stores, every after 3 hours may disinfection sa mga surfaces ng tindahan, especially ‘yong medyo mabilis ma-contact ng customers,” said Puregold area manager Carlo Rodriguez.

At Robinsons Supermarket, a patrol guard warns and scolds those who violate protocols.

Robinsons Supermarket also noticed that since the COVID-19 cases kicked in again, the number of people using the shopping app has also increased.

According to personal shopper Denden Naval, he sometimes has up to 100 customers per day.

Meanwhile, the  has not yet proposed the implementation of tough lockdowns in Metro Manila so far, but they will not rule out the possibility if the spread of coronavirus disease continues to worsen amid localized restrictions.

“As of now, I don’t because the localized lockdowns are starting to yield positive outcomes… [I]f nothing changes and the cases continue to rise, then the possibility of a more widespread lockdown is certainly strong,” said DOH Secretary Francisco Duque.