MANILA-Sharmaine Alim and her sister admitted that they have not lost their fear of COVID-19 but said that the world needs to continue.
Alim is among those who are still flocking to the normally crowded markets in Divisoria in Manila despite the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases.
On Wednesday, Alim bought fabric for the business.
“I’m also a little scared but just be doubly careful. It’s cheaper here,” said Alim.
“We still have to continue because life is hard,” he added.
Marianie Altabarino bought clothes to send to her nephew in Negros.
“I also have a day off from work so I just went now,” said Altabarino, who is not afraid of COVID-19.
Vendors make individual efforts to remind consumers to adhere to health protocols.
There is no problem with wearing a face mask but many find it difficult to wear a face shield.
Physical distancing is also difficult to implement, especially on congested roads.
“We’re telling them, distancing. Don’t stick together,” said vendor Jimboy Arcilla.
The deployment of the Divisoria authorities will be difficult because the police at Binondo station, which covers the shopping area, have repeatedly tested positive for COVID-19.
Of the 121 who took the swab test, 48 were positive while another 38 were awaiting the result.
The station is said to be locked down.
The Department of Health this Wednesday recorded 4,387 additional COVID-19 cases for a total of 635,698. Of that number, 61,733 were active cases or still ill.
Meanwhile, in Baclaran in Parañaque, vendors are crying because of the increase in revenue now that there are few buyers.
According to vegetable vendor Marilyn Buenaobra, who invested P5,000 for her wares, her income was only P3,000 by noon this Wednesday.
Authorities in Baclaran are on high alert to ensure that health protocols are followed and road obstructions are avoided.
Despite this, there are still worshipers at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, such as Llony Pangilinan Fedrero.
“Not really [ako] too much [natatakot sa COVID-19] because it’s up to us too, “he said.
Barangay Baclaran has the most active COVID-19 cases in the city, now at 96, based on data from the Parañaque Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. There are 640 active cases throughout the city.
Barangay Baclaran was also subjected to a temporary localized lockdown in March after a more contagious South African variant of COVID-19 was detected there.
-Report by Michael Delizo, ABS-CBN News