ILOILO – The transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Passi City is showing no signs of abating.
Just this Wednesday, 55 talipapa or roadside flea market vendors were found to be carriers of the virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19.
According to Mayor Stephen Palmares, all of the infected vendors were asymptomatic. They were instructed to observe strict home quarantine.
They were among the 270 talipapa vendors in Barangay Imbang Grande, Sablogon, Man-it, Quinagaringan Pequeño, Quinagaringan Grande, and Gines Viejo subjected by the city government to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR) Feb. 2.
But the mayor said he already anticipated the grim turnout.
“Ang talipapa extension dya ka public market kag kalabanan ka nagabaligya sa market amo man sa talipapa nagakirit-anay. Gin-ekspektar ko gid man nga amo kadya,” Palmares said.
Thorough disinfection had since been conducted at the talipapa stalls in the six barangays. Vendorsmay eventually reopen their stalls but they must first present a negative RT-PCR test result.
According to Palmares, the recent surge of COVID-19 infections revealed that market vendors often working in enclosed spaces are the most affected sector in Passi City.
Since recording started in March last year, vendors account for almost half (221) of the 556 cumulative COVID-19 cases in Passi City. Of the 556 cases, 254 were active, 299 recovered and three died.
On Jan. 31, Palmares reopened the public market but with stricter safety health protocols.
Personnel of the Local Economic Enterprise Office were also deployed to ensure vendors and market-goers comply with the minimum health standards like wearing of facemasks and face shield and social distancing.
Prior to entering the market, Palmares required everyone to undergo several procedures. Temperature scanning (those who register a temperature of 37.5 degree Celsius or higher will be denied entry), checking of Valid ID (only those who are 21-59 years old are allowed entry), hand and foot sanitation (through alcohol application and foot bath).
A “one entrance, one exit” policy was implemented to avoid people from converging.
Residents must also bring with them their quarantine passes and present these to authorities upon entry to the market which, Palmares assured, was thoroughly disinfected.
Passi began its two-week enhanced community quarantine on Jan. 28 following a surge of infections at the public market./PN
