PNP prohibits public display of affection amid rising COVID-19 cases in the country

Are you into public displays of affection?

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is prohibiting couples from engaging in PDA (or getting all lovey-dovey in public) in the time of COVID-19 as it "violates health and safety protocols set by the government." 

This is in line with the surge in confirmed cases in the country, which is at 600,428 as of yesterday, March 9. 

As per Philippine Star, PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said the ban includes kissing, holding hands, and hugging in public areas not only between partners, but also friends and family members. 

“If we see them embrace, stay shoulder-to-shoulder and very close to each other, it’s an automatic violation,” Usana explained. Based on the same article, he added that police officers “will not immediately arrest couples caught doing PDAs but will just caution them on the first offense.”

Another report stated that Usana expressed his hope that Filipinos would comply with the new measure even without police intervention. “Sila na po ang magkusa maghiwalay properly in public,” he said.

Usana additionally reminded people of their responsibilities that can help protect themselves and others from the virus, putting emphasis on medical workers who have been risking their lives in the fight against the pandemic.

“Kailangan meron tayong self-discipline at mas mataas na sense of responsibility,” he stressed.