The local government has designated more open areas but with limited capacity inside the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC), allowing more to enjoy the outdoors as Covid-19 cases continue to decrease.
Netizens, however, conveyed mixed reactions on social media. Some welcomed the reopening, others were alarmed because of the large crowds.
“Salamat at sobrang saya ng mga bata. ‘Di po mababayaran ang mga ngiti nila. Sa 2 years pa naman na lockdown at nakalabas ulit sila salamat, QC (Thank you. The children are so happy. Their smiles are invaluable after the two years that they were on lockdown. Thank you, QC),” Norminah Manaol Olshope posted.
Others, however, were alarmed that the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is “waving” at them.
Jean Mendoza said they went to the QMC on Saturday and saw that physical distancing was not followed at all times.
“No social distancing. No minimum health protocols. Super crowded,” Mendoza posted on QC’s Facebook page, together with a video as proof.
“Covid is waving,” Analie Pedrajas Avira replied to the post.
Other netizens advised that parkgoers themselves should practice discipline and observe health and safety protocols without waiting for authorities to reprimand them.
They also encouraged the city government to create wider green and open spaces.
In response to clamor, Mayor Joy Belmonte met with different departments to implement additional measures that will prevent crowding and ensure protocols are followed.
“Each of the zones is already fenced off and will have designated entry and exit points which will be manned by City enforcers. Signages bearing the capacity limits and the reminders as to minimum health standards will be put in place, while safety officers will be present in each zone to enforce health protocols,” Belmonte said in a statement issued on Monday.
The seven areas with 80 percent capacity that have been identified so far are Zone 1, picnic area and playground; Zone 2, fitness trail and Planas Garden; Zone 3, Quezon City Experience museum open grounds; Zone 4, Peace Bell, Runner Garden, and Fern Garden; Zone 5, Tropical Garden; Zone 6, Flower Garden; and Zone 7, Rock Garden.
“Most of these zones contain areas where families can converge and engage in exercise routines like walking, while socially distanced from one another,” Belmonte added.
More zones may still be identified depending on the number of visitors and as long as capacity restrictions are strictly observed.
Adult visitors must present their vaccination cards and Kyusi Pass QR codes or register for contact tracing upon entering the QMC and the zones.
Safety officers from Task Force Disiplina will be deployed inside the QMC grounds and in each zone while a roaming mobile patrol from the Quezon City Police District will monitor safety and security.
Each zone will have washing and sanitation areas, food stalls and hawkers with fully vaccinated vendors will be deployed in various locations, and in the playgrounds, only one adult guardian for children four feet and below and one-hour limit per batch are allowed.
The same one-hour allocation will also apply to parkgoers using the exercise equipment at the Fitness Trail.
Setting up picnic areas inside the playground are prohibited.
“Under Alert Level 3, children are allowed to go out to exercise. That is why families can come to our park because it is good for their physical and mental health. But we also have to keep in mind that we should also prioritize the safety of our parkgoers. We are putting in place these additional protocols, so families could safely enjoy their time in our park,” Belmonte said.
One netizen immediately gave a “thumbs up” on the new measures.
“Tama yan para walang lalabag sa protocols knowing Circle pasyalan talaga ng tao ‘yan, kaya tayo din mismo magkaroon ng disiplina tandaan naten bawat labas naten ng bahay pamilya naten ang maapektuhan dulot ng virus na hinde naten nakikita kaya ‘wag maging pasaway (This is correct so that everyone will follow protocols. The Circle is a park. We must have self-discipline and remember that every time we go out, our family may be affected by the unseen virus),” netizen Alex Cruz posted on Facebook.
As of Sunday, the city still has 2,525 active Covid-19 cases or just 1.43 percent of the total 176,976 infections as 172,930 have recovered while 1,521 died.
QMC is open daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice. (PNA)
