This is a welcome development since most people would want to spend as little time as possible outside for fear of risking infection from the COVID-19 virus.

Store Finder PH utilizes the person’s location to scan through their community or nearby location. It will then present a list of establishments, such as grocery shops, pharmaceutical stores, and a financial institution like banks and money send out centers that are open for business.

Information sheet

Furthermore, what’s even good with Store Finder PH is that it allows users to exchange messages with other people who are logged on to the website. From there, they can chat and ask for more information or seek the assistance that they may require during the quarantine period.

Log-in page

Using the website is easy. Just visit bit.ly/StoreFinderPH on any mobile, tablet, or computer device. For more information and updates, you may follow Store Finder PH on Facebook at fb.com/StoreFinderPH.

Store Finder PH complies with information shared by other users and volunteers from Good Vibes Digital PH.

Sample map

Good Vibes Digital PH is a team of volunteers organized by Trinmar Boado, winner of the Clash of Codes competition at Multisys Technologies in 2019. The group is composed of volunteers from government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and private companies.

The team is working remotely to help develop digital solutions to address people’s needs during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period.

Sample store information

According to Boado, there are currently more than 100 volunteers who are involved in the project. All of them are working remotely from the comfort and safety of their respective homes. 

“This technology reminds us that sharing of info does not just save the time of other people but also their lives,” added Boado, who presently works at the Department of Science and Technology’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC).

Store Finder PH also accepts volunteers

If you are interested, you may also volunteer as a provider of information from your locality.

Last March 17, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Metro Manila under ECQ to help control the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus.

However, the whole of Luzon was eventually placed under ECQ by the Government because it deemed the ECQ may not be effective if implemented only in Metro Manila.

Photo courtesy of pexels.com

During the ECQ, only establishments selling basic necessities or rendering critical services will be allowed to open to the public. 

The Luzon-wide ECQ is effective until April 13, 2020, unless extended by the Government as necessary.

For ordinary citizens who are not called to be in the frontline, the best way to protect yourself from the Covid-19 virus infection would be to abide by the ECQ guidelines. Meaning, stay at home and do not go outside unless extremely necessary. 

When you do need to go out, such as when you need to go to work or buy supplies, wear a face mask, cap, eyeglass, and gloves. For those in the medical frontline, wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

Photo courtesy of pexels.com

Disinfect your hands whenever necessary. As soon as you get home, take a bath, change clothes, and disinfect your footwear. Immediately wash your used clothes or put them under the sun if you cannot wash them immediately.

Moreover, take conscious efforts to strengthen your immune system. Sleep well, eat a balanced diet that incorporates plenty of fruits and vegetables. Take vitamin supplements especially Vitamin C to fortify your body’s resistance against disease and infections.

In the end, always remember that vigilance is the key in this battle against the Covid-19 virus.