Manila imposes mandatory face-masking at city hall

More local government units (LGUs) have adopted face-masking policies and imposed stricter measures amid the rising cases of COVID-19.

According to Cedric Castillo's report on "24 Oras", Manila has made the wearing of face masks mandatory inside the city hall.

Quezon City, on the other hand, advised the residents to wear face masks, especially in crowded areas.

“Mahigpit po nating ipatutupad ang pagsuot ng face mask sa loob ng inyong mga tanggapan at sa lahat po ng mga dadayo sa Manila City Hall,” Manila City mayor Honey Lacuna said.

(We will strictly enforce the wearing of face masks inside your offices and on all visitors to Manila City Hall.)

This was supported by both staff and visitors at the city hall.

“We urge our QCitizens to make informed decisions regarding face masks," Quezon City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit said.

"While the current national policy allows voluntary usage of face masks in indoor and outdoor spaces, we continue to advise the public to wear masks, especially in crowded areas where the risk of virus transmission is high,” it added.

Baguio City earlier imposed the wearing of face masks in all establishments and crowded places.

Some schools also shifted to online or modular learning.

The Department of Health (DOH), meanwhile, said they supported the decisions and policies of the LGUs.

“There is no reason for the national government to impose additional restrictions for COVID-19,” Vergeire said.

“Pagtiningnan din po natin ang kanilang health care utilization o yung paggamit nila ng ospital, low risk po ang paggamit ng beds for COVID. Low risk din po yung ICU utilization nila,” she added.

(If we also look at their health care utilization or their use of the hospital, the use of beds for COVID is low risk. Their ICU utilization is also low risk.)

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it also supported the measures of the Health Department.

“While we continue to support the DOH's measures as far as ensuring the health and safety of Filipinos, the direction of the Philippines is forward and that is to ensure that we continue to open up the country to travel and tourism as is the direction set by the President,” DOT secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

After the submitted recommendations, the DOH said it was still waiting for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s decision after the lifting of COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern. —NB, GMA Integrated News