By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
Malacañang said everyone from Luzon should stay inside their homes unless they have to go out for medical or humanitarian purposes, as President Duterte places the entire island under an enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
In an interview over ANC, Panelo said an enhanced community quarantine, which is effective immediately, means that all persons will be subjected to strict home quarantine with no movement and no transportation except for transport of basic services and necessities.
"It means we'll have to stay from home because work will be suspended. There is suspension of work, that's the general rule," he said Monday."You don't have to drive, except for medical and humanitarian reasons."
According to Panelo, the government will make sure that food and essential needs will be delivered. He said the public will be getting it from the local government units.
He was uncertain if grocery stores will be allowed to remain open. "I don't know if groceries will be open; I will have to ask. But what's important is there will be sufficient food supply."
He added that there will be a heightened presence of uniformed personnel in quarantined areas to ensure compliance.
Panelo said the government is implementing the strict measures to make sure everyone is safe and protected from the disease.
"I would like to convey to our people that the President's ultimate goal is to save ourselves from ourselves. We have to do everything to protect ourselves; as we protect ourselves, we protect our neighbors. It is a matter of survival," he said.
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