Pasig complies with voluntary mask use outdoors

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto vouched for a “unified policy in the region” as the local government adhered to the presidential executive order (EO) allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings, according to a report by Manila Bulletin.

“Our Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council) has approved an ordinance adopting the President’s EO. We will continue to adjust our policies as recommended by the Department of Health (DOH) and health experts. A unified policy throughout the entire region is always best,” said Sotto in a statement sent to Manila Bulletin on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Presidential EO No. 3, issued on Sept. 12 by former Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez on behalf of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., lifted the mandatory wearing of face masks, particularly in open, public spaces.

Pasig City Ordinance No. 24 was approved on Sept. 15, amending the previous face mask policy in the city (Ordinance No. 12).

The amendment read: “It shall be the policy of the local government of Pasig to strictly require the mandatory wearing by all residents of face masks, except in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation within the territorial jurisdiction of Pasig City.”

The ordinance was sponsored by City Councilor Roderick Mario Gonzales and co-sponsored by the entire city council.

Mayor Sotto also shared the City Health Department’s (CHD) findings on Monday, Sept. 19 during the local health board meeting.

“Trend now much flatter compared to the first 4 waves (even if less restrictions). Key point here is that there are hardly any deaths,” he said in a Twitter post.

The local government continues to conduct vaccination drives, focusing on hard-to-reach groups through the Caravan Vaccination (CaraVacc) program.

As of Monday, Sept. 19, Pasig City had 398 active Covid-19 cases, 85,134 recoveries, and 1,637 deaths.