Antipolo firms defying health protocols closed

ANTIPOLO, Philippines  — Business establishments in Antipolo City caught violating health and safety protocols have been closed.

Mayor Andrea Ynares said these businesses allowed their employees to man desks and counters without face masks and did not provide disinfectants or enforce physical distancing.

“It is sad that the city’s joint inspection team was forced once more to shutter business establishments due to non-compliance with health protocols despite warnings and advisories,” Ynares said.

She did not say how many firms were closed, but photos she posted on social media showed that pawnshops, bakeshops, farm supply stores, rice stores, auto parts dealers and convenience stores are among them.

Ynares said erring establishments should submit their return to work plans, including measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 among customers and employees.

Antipolo recorded nine new coronavirus disease 2019 cases, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the city to 314.

The Antipolo City public market was placed on lockdown for two weeks after 18 vendors tested positive for the virus.