The Quezon City government has trained additional enforcers who will be assigned to markets and other public areas around the city to ensure the strict enforcement of minimum health protocols this holiday season amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to retired Gen. Elmo San Diego, head of the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), 134 enforcers from the Market Development and Administration Department (MDAD) recently underwent orientations.
After that, they will be deployed to various public places in the city, particularly large public markets and areas where more people are expected to flock during the holidays.
“The additional personnel underwent training on the proper issuance of Ordinance Violation Receipts (OVR) to quarantine protocol violators,” said San Diego.
“Violators need to pay the fine within five days. If not, a case shall be filed with the prosecutor’s office and will be reflected on their record when they apply for police clearance,” he added.
In addition, the city also tapped the assistance of barangays to fully implement and enforce the minimum health protocols in the communities.
Mayor Joy Belmonte underscored the need for the strict enforcement of health protocols during the holidays to avoid a spike in COVID-19 cases.
“Inaasahan natin ang paglabas ng maraming tao ngayong kapaskuhan kaya dinadagdagan din natin ang mga magbabantay at magpapatupad ng health protocols,” said Belmonte.
“Kung hindi natin ito gagawin, malaki ang posibilidad na tataas ang bilang ng kaso ng COVID-19, sa ating lungsod. Given the holidays, experts are predicting a surge. While we are ready for any eventuality, we would like to reinforce our efforts to campaign for a safer Christmas. That is why we would like to remind our citizens and those visiting our city to please follow all health protocols because this will be strictly enforced,” she added.
This season, the QC government through its “Paskong QC: Mask Ligtas, Mask Masaya” campaign ramped up its call for everyone to strictly follow minimum health standards.
Public service advisories will be heard in public markets, and mall owners as well as billboard owners have agreed to show the city’s safe Christmas campaign.
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