BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Wearing facemask remains voluntary in Negros Occidental.
Executive Order (EO) 23-15 issued by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday set guidelines for the voluntary wearing of facemasks but with several exceptions.
The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with comorbidities, the immunocompromised, unvaccinated and symptomatic are encouraged to wear facemasks indoors or outdoors.
Facemasks, meanwhile, are mandatory in healthcare facilities, enclosed areas and public transportation either by land, air or sea.
The EO further stated that minimum public health standards will still be implemented in the province.
Lacson welcomed the World Health Organization’s declaration that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is no longer a “global health emergency”. However, he said, his order remains the same and being vigilant is prudent.
From March 27, 2020 to May 8 this year, Negros Occidental recorded a total of 44,955 COVID-19 cases, of which 95 are still active, 42,785 recovered and 2,074 died./PN
