The Agora Market in San Juan City reopened on Thursday (July 16) following a two-week temporary closure over coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections among some of its workers.

Mayor Francis Zamora said only vendors, workers, and employees that have tested negative for the virus and were issued with health clearances or the blue ID are allowed to resume their work and reopen their businesses at the city’s lone public market.

“Ang mga Blue ID ay kailangang nakasuot sa dibdib upang makita ng nga mamimili na ligtas bumili at makihalubilo sa mga manininda at manggagawa (Blue IDs must be worn on prominently on the chest so that shoppers will know that it is safe to transact with the vendors and workers)," states an advisory from the mayor's office.

Consumers were advised to look for the blue ID worn by the vendors and workers inside the market.

In addition, all vendors and market goers must wear face masks and observe physical distancing.

“Kung mayroon pong hindi sumusunod sa mga patakarang ito, agad ipagbigay alam sa ating San Juan Police at Task Force Disiplina (If there is anyone not obeying these rules, immediately inform our San Juan police and Task Force Disiplina)," the mayor said.

On July 1, the San Juan City government closed down the public market for 15 days after a male fish stall helper tested positive for coronavirus disease.

This prompted the local government to conduct disinfection at the establishment and subject 647 market vendors and workers to swab testing. It later said in a press release that 26 of those tested were found positive for COVID-19.

“The San Juan City Government is taking all necessary steps to make sure everyone is safe in our city. Our city council just passed City Ordinance No. 45 or the New Normal Ordinance of San Juan City, which sets mandatory safety measures and minimum health protocols, not just in offices and buildings, but in all areas of the city and to be adhered to by all who are in San Juan,” Zamora said.

Violators of the city’s mandatory safety measures will be slapped with a fine of P3,000 for the first offense, and P5,000 or three months' imprisonment or both for the second and subsequent offenses.

Allysa Nievera and Aldrin Casinas

San Juan City’s Agora Market reopens