Negrenses advised to still wear facemasks in cemeteries

Monday, October 31, 2022

A police officer makes sure visitors at the public cemetery in Arevalo, Iloilo City follow public health protocols such as wearing facemasks on Oct. 27, days before the weeklong closure of cemeteries nationwide. This year’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day were generally peaceful, according to the Police Regional Office 6. IAN PAUL CORDERO/PN — Photo for representation only. A police officer makes sure visitors at the public cemetery in Arevalo, Iloilo City follow public health protocols such as wearing facemasks. PN

BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA

BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson over the weekend advised Negrenses to still wear facemasks when entering cemeteries, even as the country gradually lifts its facemask policies in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Thousands of Negrenses are expected to gather in cemeteries over the next few days to mark All Saints’ and All Souls’ days.

According to Lacson, facemask is still the number one deterrent against getting infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

He expressed worry that the number of COVID-19 cases will increase again in Negros Occidental due to the easing of the mask mandate.

On Oct. 28, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. issued an executive order relaxing the country’s mask mandate in both indoor and outdoor settings.

However, facemasks would still be required for healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles, and public transport.

Under the new order, other minimum public health standards would still be implemented, such as hand hygiene, frequent handwashing and the observance of physical distancing./PN