Manila shuts down market after vendor tests positive for COVID-19

The Trabajo Market in Sampaloc, Manila was shuttered by local authorities on Saturday after a female vendor tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to a Sunday report on 24 Oras Weekend by Corinne Catibayan, the patient was confined at the Philippine General Hospital last week.

Her COVID-19 test results came back positive on Saturday, prompting officials of Barangay 456 to temporarily close the market.

“Lockdown na raw po ang palengke dahil meron po na-trace na isang magba-baboy na positive raw po sa [COVID-19],” barangay councilor Mel Ocampo said.

Data from the Manila City Health Office also showed that two other people the vendor came into contact with—her niece and one of the people she worked with—have been classified as persons under investigation for COVID-19.

Local authorities have closed off the Dela Fuente, Marzan, Loyola, and Vicente Cruz streets to all motorists and pedestrians.

Other vendors at the Trabajo Market have also cleared their stalls.

Authorities said they will disinfect the establishment but it remains unclear when the market will reopen for business. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News