FOLLOWING the death of 67-year old Rolando dela Cruz who braved the human chain in a bid to get free food, a top health official urged senior citizens to stay home and away from the community pantries providing essential help to the needy.
At the Laging Handa press briefing, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also reminded the public that the National Capital Region and adjoining provinces–NCR Plus–remain under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), which strictly prohibits persons aged 60 and above from going out.
“We are on modified enhanced community quarantine so sana walang mga matatandang lumalabas muna para mapangalagaan,” said Vergeire.
Dela Cruz, a balut vendor, on Friday fainted and died while lining up at the community pantry organized by an actress in Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City.
The community pantry organizer, actress Angel Locsin, has already apologized for the incident, which has become a subject of investigation by the Philippine National Police.
Interestingly, immediate family members of Dela Cruz said that they’re not blaming anyone.
Aside from senior citizens, persons below 18 years old, with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women are not allowed to go out of their houses.
Vergeire also cited the need to balance help and safety in places where community pantries are operating.
“Siguro sana po ay let’s show the benefits of what the community pantry can do for our citizens, but at the same time, ensuring na tayo lahat ay sumusunod sa protocols para wala tayong pagkakahawa-hawa sa mga ganitong events,” she said.
She likewise called on the local government units on the need to impose minimum public health and safety guidelines, which include mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields and observing physical distancing.