Iloilo City allows voluntary wearing of face masks

By Perla Lena

ILOILO CITY – The use of face masks both in indoor and outdoor settings is now voluntary in Iloilo City following the lifting of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on Covid-19, but the provincial government still requires mask-wearing in enclosed spaces.

Executive Order number 055 issued by Mayor Jerry Treñas on Tuesday, however, said face masks are still required in health care facilities, medical transport vehicles, and public transportation by land, sea, and air.

It is also “highly encouraged” for elderly, pregnant women, and individuals who are symptomatic, unvaccinated, with comorbidity, and immuno-compromised.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Provincial Health Officer (IPHO) Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon said that wearing face masks is required in enclosed spaces like offices and outdoors where there is no distancing, especially for the elderly and those with comorbidity.

VOLUNTARY. Using face masks in indoor and outdoor settings is now voluntary in Iloilo City, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas in Executive Order number 55 he issued on Tuesday (May 9, 2023). However, the order said it is still required in health care facilities, medical transport vehicles, and public transportation of all kinds. (Photo courtesy of Iloilo City Government Facebook)

Kristine Pawnshop Zulueta Branch

Zulueta St., Tacurong City

Notice of Auction Sale

All unredeemed jewelries and articles pledges loan from April 24, 2022 to October 18, 2022 will be sold at public auction on May 18, 2023 at 9:00 o’ clock in the morning.

Ang lahat na prenda na hindi natubus mula Abril 24, 2022 hanggang Oktubre 18, 2022 ay isusubasta sa publiko sa Mayo 18, 2023 sa ganap na ika- 9:00 ng umaga.

By Management

Kristine Pawnshop Bonifacio Branch

Bonifacio St., Tacurong City

Notice of Auction Sale

All unredeemed jewelries and articles pledges loan from May 03, 2022 to October 25, 2022 will be sold at public auction on May 25, 2023 at 9:00 o’ clock in the morning.

Ang lahat na prenda na hindi natubus mula Mayo 03, 2022 hanggang Oktubre 25, 2022 ay isusubasta sa publiko sa Mayo 25, 2023 sa ganap na ika- 9:00 ng umaga.

By Management

“Actually, the wearing of a face mask is considered personal hygiene. I am still encouraging everyone to use face masks because not only we are protecting ourselves from Covid-19 but other infectious diseases,” she said in a media interview. She added that those with comorbidity and manifesting flu-like symptoms are encouraged to submit to the swab test to determine if they have Covid-19 for appropriate intervention, because of the risk of the infection progressing into moderate or severe cases.

Quiñon likewise called on unvaccinated individuals to avail of the jabs as the provincial supply is depleting and she is not sure of the availability.

“So go to your nearest health units because our Covid-19 vaccination is available every day, and here in the capitol,” she added.

IPHO data showed that as of May 8, the province has vaccinated 94.27 percent of its target eligible population, which is equivalent to 1,378,002 individuals for the first dose; 88.43 percent for the second dose; 19.87 percent for the first booster; and only 1.74 percent for the second booster.

In a televised public briefing on Monday, infectious disease expert Edsel Salvaña clarified that the World Health Organization’s lifting of the PHEIC does not mean the coronavirus has ceased to exist.

“Iyong Covid, nandiyan pa, pero natuto na tayong mabuhay nang malaya, iyong hindi tayo nagtatago sa ating mga bahay (Covid is still there, but we have learned to live freely, we no longer hide in our homes),” he said.

Covid-19 cases may rise but hospitals are not overwhelmed by admissions as transmission of the virus is prevented by vaccination and other health protocols such as wearing of face mask, he added. (PNA)