By Limuel S. Celebria
IF YOU think not wearing a face mask won’t put your health in danger from the coronavirus, this time you’d better think about your precious time and the health of your pocket when going out in public without your face covered.
Wary of the continuing increase in the number of city residents turning up positive for the dreaded corona virus disease (COVID 19), the Iloilo City Council – acting upon an urgent request from City Mayor Jerry P. Trenas, has toughened up a recently passed ordinance requiring everyone in Iloilo City to wear face masks while in public.
The original ordinance, authored by Councilor Ely A. Estante, Jr., imposes a fine of only P500.00 on those found in violation of the measure which was intended to help prevent the spread of the virus during these pandemic times. But the amendments not only provides for stiffer penalties but also conscripts violators into rendering community service.
The amended ordinance, approved by the SP last Tuesday, provides the following fines and penalties:
– For the First Offense: A fine of P1,000.00 or Eight (8) hours of community service per day for three (3) successive days or both, upon the discretion of the court;
– For the Second (2nd) Offense: A fine of P2,000.00 or Eight (8) hours of community service for five (5) successive days or both, upon the discretion of the court; and
– For the Third (3rd) Offense and every succeeding offense thereafter: A fine of P5,000.00 or Eight (8) hours of community service for five (5) successive days or both, upon the discretion of the court.
While the new penalties seem harsh, draconian even, the more severe punishments were put in place largely for their persuasive effect. There are constant reports that many choose to ignore the ordinance or are unmindful of the precautions that are put in precisely for their protection.
Since the onset of the pandemic in late February, medical authorities led by the World Health Organization have advised everyone to wear face masks for all persons while in public to prevent transmission of the highly contagious virus. Governments have also imposed lockdowns while telling their people to practice social distancing.
Still, transmission of the disease seemed inevitable. As of this writing, the total number of the world population who have been infected by Covid 19 is more than 18.7 millions with 704,438 deaths in 213 countries and territories. The United States leads all countries with the highest infect at 4.9 million (160,290 deaths) followed by Brazil with 2.8 million (96,096 deaths) and India with 1.9 million (39,856 deaths). China, from where Covid 19 was said to have originated, is at number 29 with 84,491 (4,634 deaths)
The Philippines has climbed the rankings, surpassing even China, at number 24 with 112,593 and 2,115 deaths. The corresponding figures in Western Visayas (as of 04 August) are 1,621 confirmed positive with 842 active cases, and 18 deaths. The breakdown per province Aklan – 6, Antique – 15, Capiz – 8, Guimaras – 1, Iloilo Province – 90, Negros Occidental – 52, Bacolod City – 128, Iloilo City – 113, Returning OFWs, LSIs, Authorized Persons Outside of Residence – 1,208.
During the three-month lockdown, from March to May, the Western Visayas provinces enjoyed a relatively Covid-free existence. However, when restrictions on travel were relaxed, the return to the region of Overseas Flipino Workers and Locally Stranded Individuals, particularly those who were stuck in Covid infested areas like Metro Manila and Cebu dramatically increased the number of confirmed cases. As shown in the figures cited for Western Visayas, the combined total of Covid confirmed ROFs, LSIs, and APORs (1208) account for 75 percent of the total cases (1621). The rest are classified as local transmission.
Iloilo City is next only to Bacolod City in the number of cases. In fact, City Mayor Jerry Trenas who has led a valiant effort to contain Covid transmissions in the city – imposing surgical lockdowns and other stringent measures – has put himself under 14-day quarantine after getting into close contact with a person who has tested positive (asymptomatic) for the virus.
Also, the Iloilo provincial capitol was placed by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. under a 2-day lockdown (Aug. 3-4) for disinfection after a worker, who was in contact with a number of other employees, tested positive.
