MANILA – Navotas will make physical distancing compulsory to stem the spread of COVID-19, with violators facing community service and a fine of up to P750.

This developed after the city government passed an ordinance requiring residents to keep a 1-meter distance in public places.

“We need to instill in our people that proper wearing of face masks and practicing social distancing is now part of our reality. It is our new normal to keep ourselves safe from any disease,” mayor Toby Tiangco said in a statement released Saturday.

“These policies are not meant to make life uncomfortable for us. They are intended to protect us and those we come in contact with.”

Amid the prevailing modified enhanced community quarantine, the city also ordered the extension of the liquor ban.

Violators face imprisonment and fines of up to P5,000, as businesses that flout the rule could lose their permit to operate.

As of Friday, Navotas tallied 142 coronavirus infections, of whom 24 died while 32 recovered.

The city placed 10 barangays under enhanced community quarantine after recording the highest number of COVID-19 cases.

• Navotas puts 10 virus-stricken barangays under ECQ