Negros Occidental gov still requires mask wearing inside provincial gov’t offices

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BACOLOD CITY — Despite President Marcos’ order allowing the optional use of face masks in indoor settings, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said he would still require persons to wear masks inside all provincial government offices.

“In my executive order, I will specifically say that in all dealings inside a provincial government building, a face mask is mandatory,” he said in an interview on Nov. 2.

The Department of Health, in its COVID-19 alert level classifications for Nov. 1 to 15, extended Negros Occidental’s Alert Level 2 status, while Bacolod remains under Alert Level 1.

Lacson said he believed in the autonomy of local governments, which allowed him to require the wearing of face masks in provincial government offices.

Under Executive Order 7 signed by President Marcos on Oct. 28, the wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings shall be voluntary, except in healthcare facilities, medical transport, and public transportation by land, air, or sea.

Wearing masks was still encouraged for the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, immunocompromised persons, pregnant women, unvaccinated individuals, and symptomatic individuals.

While there was an increase in new COVID-19 cases in Negros Occidental last week, Lacson said the numbers have gone down in the last few days.

On Oct. 30, the active COVID 19-cases in Negros Occidental reached 164, but dropped to 140 on Nov. 1.

“Alert Level 2 tells us to continue to be vigilant. It reminds us that COVID is very much around. What makes it difficult is that the national government is already allowing the voluntary use of face masks inside,” Lacson said.

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