ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry P. Treñas reimposed the “no facemask, no entry” policy at the Iloilo City Hall.
Starting Tuesday, April 11, security guards barred individuals not wearing facemask from entering the city hall.
Treñas said coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases are increasing, although hospital utilization rates in the city are not because the cases are mostly mild.
“Facemasks will ensure that infection will not increase in closed areas while continuing with the services of the city,” the city mayor emphasized.
Treñas and wife Rosalie contracted COVID-19 two weeks ago. The mayor was able to report back to his office only this Tuesday.
Based on the record of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health Region6, from one case daily in February and March this year, the average daily cases in the city increased to four from the start of April.
The city logged 34 cases in January, 23 cases in February, 44 cases in March, and 26 from April 1 to 10, RESU said.
It added there are still 28 active COVID-19 cases in the city.
“COVID positives are increasing. It is important that we ensure our economic recovery is not derailed. The use of facemask is important to minimize infection,” Treñas said.
For his part, Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, City Health Office assistant department head, said it is still important to continue the minimum public health standards in the places of work and recreation.
“The minimum public health standards shall continue to be implemented to prevent and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the country,” he said.
Minimum public health standards include physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and wearing of masks, regardless of vaccination status./PN
