DISINFECTION OF PUBLIC MARKETS. Personnel of the Cebu City Market Operations Division discuss with leaders of different vendors' groups the implementation of the massive cleanup and disinfection order of Mayor Edgardo Labella, in a meeting at the Cebu City Hall on Tuesday (March 10, 2020). Labella issued the order as part of the "proactive approach" to prevent local transmission of the new coronavirus disease. (Photo courtesy of Cebu City Hall PIO)
CEBU CITY – The market operations division at the Cebu City Hall has convened leaders from various vendors' associations to implement the order of Mayor Edgardo Labella to conduct massive cleanup and disinfection of all public markets here.
Jonil Matuguina, head of the market operations division, said this is part of a proactive approach in preventing local transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
On Tuesday, Labella said in a radio interview that he issued a memorandum order directing the heads of City Health Department, Market Operations Division, Prevention, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement (PROBE), and the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) “to jointly conduct massive cleanup and disinfection of all public markets” spread in different areas in this city.
“Let us have a monthly cleanup of our market. Ato gyud limpyohan. Kamo sad tawon panglimpyo gyud mo (Let’s have them cleaned. You should also do the cleanup). Let us do this monthly,” he said.
Labella said massive cleanup and disinfection of the markets will ensure the safety of the market-goers.
He instructed Matuguina, chief of the city market operations, to conduct frequent checks on the city wet markets, to ensure proper sanitation.
In his order, he listed the Ramos Public Market, T. Padilla Public Market, Pardo Public Market, Pasil Fish Market, Taboan Public Market, Freedom Park, Warwick Barracks, and Carbon Market Unit I, II, III to be included in the massive disinfection and cleanup drive.
Aside from sanitation in wet markets, Labella said he also wants the vendors to be informed on the proper hygienic practices as advised by the Department of Health (DOH) to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
He said vendors should practice frequent hand-washing.
Earlier on Tuesday, the heads and representatives from different departments and offices in Cebu City Hall met presidents of various vendors group to plan out the massive cleanup and disinfection of the markets, in line with Labella’s directives.
Meanwhile, the mayor said he is not poised to suspend classes in the city despite the public health emergency declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte amid the Covid-19 situation in the country, stressing that there is no reported local transmission of the virus.
Labella, however, recalled being instructed by the Chief Executive to intensify putting up of precautionary measures including proper sanitation in public areas, including the schools.
The schools will be provided with alcohol and hand sanitizers to keep the students safe from viral infection.
“We need to follow the protocol of the DOH,” Labella said, adding that students who may feel ill may go home to get some rest. (PNA)
