BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Lacson, and Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia have almost simultaneously issued the mandatory use of face masks in the fight against COVID-19.
The governor, in his executive order, has directed the public on mandatory use of face masks when going out in public.
The E.O. recommends the use of reusable face maks, which was defined as “any fabric, lining, or barrier that can cover the nose and mouth of the wearer”. This could include cloth masks, bandannas, surgical masks, and others.
Leonardia, on the other hand, defines face masks to include surgical masks “or any reusable or disposable device made of cloth or any breathable material worn over the nose or mouth”.
In a press conference earlier, the city’s private partner in health, Dr. Hector Gayares said as medical expert, he recommends the wearing of masks. This is because of the prevalence of asymptomatic cases, thus wearing masks is a necessary precaution to avoid infecting anyone else.
“We do not know who has it, so we have to work in the assumption that we all do,” he said.