Quezon City stops retail vendors in Balintawak market 

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte immediately stopped the retail selling in Balintawak market to ensure that social distancing is maintained in the midst of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Belmonte, however, clarified that only wholesale selling and drop-off of products will be allowed in the Balintawak market.

She said that this consensus was reached following the meeting by Quezon City officials and seven market owners in Balintawak on Saturday.

Also in a news briefing, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles explained the government will form social distancing teams composed of members of the police and the military that will be deployed in the public markets.

The team will be assisted by the LGUs in the enforcement of the social distancing in public markets as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Nograles said this came about after social distancing was not observed in the Balintawak markets.

As to the fate of the displaced stall owners, Belmonte said the concerned retail vendors will be accommodated by the QC Fresh Market on Wheels program.