MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is discouraging the public from resorting to panic buying of food items and hygiene products in the wake of the increasing number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
Quoting the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo yesterday said supplies of basic necessities are sufficient.
“The Palace appeals to the people to buy only what they need,” Panelo said.
Following confirmation by the Department of Health of the first local transmission of COVID-19 last weekend and President Duterte’s proclamation of a state of public health emergency, people flocked to grocery stores and supermarkets to stock up on food and other supplies.
There were also reports of hoarding of bottles of alcohol, hand sanitizer and vitamins.
Since the outbreak last month, there has been a shortage of face masks in the country.
Panelo warned that panic buying would only result in undue hoarding and price increase.
“Our officials from the DTI gave assurances that we have ample stock of essential items,” he said.
The Office of the President is closely monitoring the developments on COVID-19, particularly reports that some hospitals are crowded with patients, possibly referring to persons under investigation (PUIs).
“While we encourage everyone to consult or see a healthcare provider in case they experience any symptom of the virus, mild or otherwise, we wish to reiterate what our health officials have been saying to the public – that those considered close contacts with symptoms of COVID-19 should be prioritized in obtaining medical attention and management,” Panelo said.
Close contacts include persons with travel history in the last 14 days to countries with local transmission or those who were exposed to patients who tested positive for COVID-19, the Palace said.
The category also covers persons who provided direct care to a COVID-19 patient or those working together, staying in the same closed environment, traveling together or living in the same household with a COVID-19 patient within the 14-day incubation period.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of everyone’s cooperation during this time. Let us not circulate unverified information that may only cause unnecessary anxiety among the members of our respective communities and instead maintain good hygiene and observe proper etiquette at all times,” Panelo said.