This, after Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama signed an executive order (EO) on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, making the wearing of face masks a voluntary act, particularly in open spaces, except in medical facilities like hospitals and clinics.
Lawyer John Eddu Ibanez, executive secretary to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, told SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, that the mayor is set to recommend to the City Council to amend the city’s face mask Ordinance 15-2020-1531.
Under the ordinance, wearing face masks must be observed in public places at all times. Violators will be asked to pay a fine of P5,000.
Ibanez said it is high time that the ordinance must be amended because Mandaue has not noted an increase in its coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases.
As of Wednesday, August 31, 2022, the city’s active Covid cases remain at 88, as no new cases have been reported.
While the ordinance has not yet been amended, residents and the public are still encouraged to observe the basic health protocols as the Covid-19 is still present.
Meanwhile, Mayor Rama said he already informed stakeholders in the city about his decision during their multi-sectoral consultation meeting.
He said that wearing face masks will not be obligatory but is a “measure of individual self-preservation and protection.”
The tri-cities of Mandaue, Cebu, and Lapu-Lapu, and Poro town on Camotes Island are the areas in Cebu under alert level 1, while the rest of the province is under the more stringent Alert Level 2. (HIC)