Dagupan City has reinstated the 'No Face Mask, No Entry' policy in its government offices due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. 

The policy took effect on May 24, 2024. 

According to the City Health Office, at least 13 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the city in May. No case was reported the month prior. 

"Kasi mayroon tayong cases ng COVID na nakita doon sa data –dumadami ang cases lately. Dati zero case, isa, [o] dalawa lang, pero for the month of May, mayroon tayong mga 12 and 13 since may 1," Dr. Ophelia Rivera, Dagupan City Health Officer, said.

The records were obtained from hospitals in the city, including data from the City Health Office.

While wearing face masks is not mandatory throughout Dagupan City, health authorities encourage it to prevent the spread of the virus.

Senior citizens, being a vulnerable sector, are urged particularly to follow this rule, with the Office of the Senior Citizens' Affairs (OSCA) enforcing it strictly.

"’Pag punta mo rito, hindi ka papasukin kapag walang face mask… proteksyon dahil sa balita [na] lumalala na naman ang COVID," Emma Arenos, a resident, said.

Face masks are also seen as protection against illnesses caused by changing weather conditions.

As of this writing, there is no definite timeline for how long the face mask policy will be enforced.