Negros Occ guv says wearing of masks still required at capitol

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Wednesday said that wearing face masks at the provincial capitol and other government offices is mandatory despite the recent executive order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., making it optional both indoors and outdoors.

He said that  “I think it is local autonomy of a local government unit,” when asked if it contradicts Marcos’ EO.

On Friday, the President signed EO 7, “allowing voluntary wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings, reiterating the continued implementation of minimum public health standards during the state of public health emergency relative to Covid-19 pandemic.”

Marcos noted that neighboring countries in Southeast Asia and various governments across the world have liberalized their mask mandates “with no significant increase in the number of Covid cases recorded.

The order stipulated though that the wearing of face masks is still mandatory in healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles and public transportation.

The elderly, persons with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals and symptomatic persons are also encouraged to wear a face mask.

The governor also noted an increase in Covid cases in the province but as of last week, the number was going down.

He said the province categorized as Level 2 in risk is a reminder that Covid is still very much around.