CLOSE to 2,000 persons who were suspected of violating Covid-19 health protocols were arrested in different parts of Central Luzon.

This was a result of the regional police's enforcement of guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Brigadier General Valeriano De Leon, Central Luzon police director, said 1,302 were caught for the improper wearing and not wearing of face masks and 433 were caught for the improper wearing and not wearing of face shield.

He said five were apprehended for mass gathering and 164 were warned for violation of social distancing.

As part of the implementation of health restriction through IATF guidelines, 134 persons were denied to enter the region.

"We appeal to the public for understanding and adherence on the IATF restrictions as we continue to be very strict in its implementation,” De Leon said.