DAVAO CITY — The city government has required the public to wear face masks while on public transportation as it steps up efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In a radio interview on Wednesday, Mayor Sara Duterte said the mandatory wearing of face masks or similar protective clothing articles around the nose and mouth when taking public transport is necessary amid the growing threat of COVID-19.
“Mao na lang ni ang pinaka nga mabuhat nato karon, otherwise, ipa-stop nato ang trabaho nga lisod para sa tanan. That is why, naghangyo ta sa cooperation sa katawhan,” Sara said.
(This is the best thing the people can do now, otherwise we will have everyone stop working, which is difficult for everyone. That is why I am asking for everyone’s cooperation.)
“Naa gyud tay problema sa social distancing sa public transportation, so advice sa doctor to wear masks sa pagsakay sa public transportation,” she added.
(We have a problem with social distancing in public transportation, so the doctor’s advice is to wear masks.)
Sara said taking all the necessary precautions protects not just oneself but fellow passengers as well.
She said those taking public transport should also observe social distancing.
“Kadong mag-public transport, magsakay og vans, buses, jeepneys, tricycle, habal-habal, silang tanan magpalayo sila sa isat-isa, minimum of one meter ang lagyo or magsuot sila ug masks,” she said.
(Those who take public transport, those who will take vans, buses, jeepneys, tricycles, passenger motorcycles should stay apart from each other, with a minimum distance of one meter, or wear masks.)
She said the city government and all other Local Government Units (LGUs) in Region 11 will provide a masks to their constituents.
“Mag- mass produce ta ug masks which is designed and acceptable sa doctor since naa tay kakulangon sa masks karon. Ato na lang i-reserve and tanang surgical masks sa hospital ug sa mga health workers,” Sara said.
(We will mass produce masks that are designed and acceptable to doctors since we have a shortage of masks right now. We will reserve all surgical masks for hospitals and health workers.)
She said the city will be producing 10,000 face masks to be distributed either today or tomorrow.
March 18, 2020 – Wednesday 6:03 PM by
FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA, RUTH PALO