Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 10) — Pangasinan is now requiring everyone in the province to wear face masks when venturing out of their homes in an attempt to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
The provincial board on Wednesday passed the ordinance that mandates the wearing of face masks in public “whether they have symptoms or not.” Private establishments are also directed to prohibit anyone without a face mask from entering their premises.
First time offenders will be required to render community service or attend a COVID-19 awareness campaign for at least three hours, while repeat offenders will not be allowed to leave their homes until the Luzon lockdown is lifted, except for emergencies or “when in imminent danger.”
The ordinance will remain in effect until the end of the enhanced community quarantine period which was recently extended to April 31.
The Interior Department has urged all local government units in Luzon to pass their own ordinances requiring the use of face masks in public to help halt the spread of COVID-19.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases had announced the need for everyone to wear face masks or similar covers when they leave their homes.
Without an ordinance and clear sanctions, police can only reprimand people not wearing masks in public
COVID-19 is spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth when people infected with the virus cough or sneeze.
Pangasinan has reported 33 COVID-19 cases as of Friday.
The Health Department has reported 4,195 COVID-19 cases, with 221 fatalities and 140 recoveries.
