Zambo GCQ results to heavy traffic, social distancing violators

ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 19 (PIA) – Heavy traffic in here returned on the first day of implementation of General Community Quarantine (GCQ) last Saturday (May 16) and persisted until today (May 19).

The Zamboanga City Government shifted from Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to GCQ per Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases guideline which allows some business establishments and offices to open while maintaining health and sanitation.

Yesterday, photos from netizens posted in social media show people amassing in a local mall and in other public places, violating social distancing protocols.

In response, Mayor Beng Climaco in a virtual press briefing yesterday (May 18) warned residents of a possible second wave of COVID-19 if they still persist in violating social distancing and quarantine protocols. She said the authorities may order business places to close if found guilty of violating health protocols set under the GCQ.

“It does not mean that when we are in GCQ people already have the freedom to converge. We are stringent in our aspiration not to increase the COVID-19 cases and it is with your hands to maintain the safety of Zamboanga,” Mayor Climaco tells residents.

Furthermore, Mayor Climaco ordered the police to strictly check the quarantine passes in checkpoints. Such may cause more traffic, but will save lives.

“We do not want any outbreak because of GCQ,” she added.

For the establishments that are allowed to open during the GCQ, the Business Permit and Licensing Office together with City Administrators Office will continue monitor the business establishments to strictly comply with safety measures.

The Business Permit and Licensing Office and the City Administrator’s Office are monitoring business establishments for strict compliance to GCQ health and safety protocols.

Government agencies and health authorities are closely monitoring the situation in the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC), the epicenter of COVID-19 infections in the city to avoid any further spread of the virus in the communities. (NBE/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

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https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1042235
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