Medellin town Mayor Benjun Mondigo told SunStar Cebu on Friday, June 10, 2022, a day after the governor issued an executive order, that it is high time to make such minimum public health standard optional since majority of the public have already been vaccinated against Coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Related story: Cebu Province drops mask requirement in open spaces
Mondigo also said his town has no longer active Covid-19 cases for quiet a while now.
Borbon town Mayor Noel Dotillos has expressed no concern when people no longer use face masks as long as they are in an open area.
“But during closed-door meetings, wearing of face mask should be necessary,” said Dotillos.
The mayor, however, clarified that the presentation of vaccination cards when attending socio-cultural activities in his town is still mandatory.
San Remegio town Mayor Mariano Martinez said it is already a practice in the province, citing the farmers and fisher-folks no longer wear it when they work.
“There are also no sanctions on people not wearing mask outdoors,” said Martinez.
Pinamungajan town Mayor Glenn Baricuatro, for his part, said it is about time to do away with face masks in open spaces, stressing the need for the economy to recover.
“Kung dunay masakit tambalan. Pero angayan napod nga tambalan ang atong economy nato. Mas grabe ang pag-suffer sa mga tawo gumikan sa restrictions,” said Baricuatro.
Dumanjug town Mayor Efren Guntrano “Gungon” Gica said he trusts on the wisdom of the governor just like the over 1.4 million Cebuanos that voted her in the recently concluded general elections.
Gica said he himself no longer wear face mask but this does not mean that everyone is required to do so.
He said those who may find it uncomfortable can still wear their masks but it should not be a requirement anymore amid the crisis nowadays.
Meanwhile, incoming City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong said the executive order merely speaks that the governor is in touch from the ground since reality shows that people already knows their options.
Under Executive Order 16, s. of 2022 issued on June 8, mask wearing would only be required in closed and/or air-conditioned areas.
The use of masks would now be “optional” in well-ventilated and open spaces, although persons are “highly encouraged to continue to wear their masks especially in crowded outdoor areas.”
Persons who are unwell with symptoms of Covid-19 like fever, cough or runny nose, would still be required to wear a mask at all times when they leave their homes, according to the EO. (MKG)