Metro Manila shopping malls to close down during community quarantine

MMDA announced a mandate to temporarily shutdown malls and shoppong centers in NCR.

Besides the implementation of the curfew, malls are being asked to close down temporarily during the lockdown, in contrast to President Rodrigo Duterte's earlier announcement encouraging retail establishments to remain open.

“And then also, we requested for the malls... if those malls could be closed first... What could remain open are supermarket, grocery, banks and other essentials again,” the MMDA representative said in mixed Filipino and English.

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"Like our mayors said, during this time, who will look for new shoes and clothes. Those are not necessities. It’s not a priority. So we don’t need to hoard or panic."

The shutdown of malls that could deprive retail workers of wages is inconsistent with the Department of Labor and Employment's Advisory No. 11. It states that "all manufacturing, retail and service establishments are advised to remain in operation during the community quarantine period, provided that social distancing and other safety and health measures are strictly observed."

The Philippines raised Code Red Sub-Level 2 over the COVID-19 threat.

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This article is written up in support to spread awareness for COVID-19 cases in the Philippines.

Metro Manila shopping malls to close down during community quarantine

"Like our mayors said, during this time, who will look for new shoes and clothes. Those are not necessities. It’s not a priority. So we don’t need to hoard or panic."