Cabalens urged to avoid hoarding, panic buying

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda urged Kapampangans to avoid hoarding of cleansing and disinfecting supplies amid coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threat in the province.

This, after many supermarkets and grocery stores in the country, are reportedly running out of stocks because of panic buying.

Pineda said Kapampangans must be considerate and give everyone an equal opportunity to avail the said products.

“Ang problema po natin minsan ay imbis na marami ang makinabang, hindi na nabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang ibang tao. Kasi yung iba, kung minsan bultuhan ang pagbili. Maging considerate naman po tayo sa kapwa natin,” he added.

According to him, the provincial government already coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pampanga regarding this matter, to limit the amount of purchase for customers to prevent shortage.

“Nakausap na po natin ang DTI, baka ilimit na lang po ang pagbili ng alcohol per buyer or per person hindi na po pwedeng bumili ng bultuhan o maramihan. Babantayan po tayo ng DTI o PNP,” the governor said.

Prior to this, a price-freeze update on basic commodities has already been issued by the department after President Duterte declared the country under state of public health emergency last March 8.

DTI-Pampanga warned that manufacturers who will go beyond the declared frozen prices will be charged in court.

Regional Director Cesar Cassion of the Department of Health (DOH) III reminded that buying alcohol-based disinfectants is not the only way to combat COVID-19.

Cassion explained that “old-fashioned” washing of hands using water and soap is even better to beat COVID-19.

The DOH director advised the public to practice surface cleaning and disinfection in schools, buildings, and households.

“The virus can die by disinfecting the surface by using a bleach solution. We can use water and detergent bars. If you have bleach solutions, this can also be used. You can dilute ¼ cup of bleach solution and mix it to one gallon of water for disinfection,” Cassion said.

In line with this, Pineda has also ordered the Department of Education to require both teachers and parents to actively participate in the disinfection of classroom and school buildings in the province.