WEARING of face masks by all persons in public places in Pangasinan for the duration and or its extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine is already mandatory by law.

This is contained in the Provincial Ordinance No. 235-2020 passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) during its special session on April 8 as approved by Gov. Amado Espino III.

It specifically requires the mandatory wearing of face masks by all in public places within the territorial jurisdiction of Pangasinan during the period of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Authored by Fourth District Board Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario and co-authored by all SP members, the ordinance defined face masks as any reusable or disposable items made of cloth or any breathable material worn over the nose, mouth, and chin which can serve as a protection or barrier against possible infection from COVID-19.

These face masks shall include surgical masks, cloth masks, handkerchiefs, washable masks, N95 masks, among others.

The ordinance was passed in compliance with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directive.

Section 4 requires the wearing of face masks at all times inside their workplaces, when entering government buildings and offices or public places.

All private commercial establishments operating in Pangasinan were enjoined to conspicuously display at their entrance a full copy of the ordinance and strictly prohibit entry of any person not wearing a face mask inside their establishments.

For first offense, violators will be required to attend community service or an awareness campaign on COVID-19 for at least three hours conducted by the barangays and other local government offices.

For the second offense, the violators will be monitored and strictly prohibited from leaving his or her residence during the remaining period of ECQ except for an emergency medical situation or when in imminent danger.

There was no penalty prescribed for the third offense.

The Provincial Health Office, in coordination with the Provincial Information Office and non-government organizations, has been required to disseminate information on the requirements of the ordinance to the public immediately.

The ordinance took effect immediately upon approval.

The Philippine National Police is ordered to enforce the full extent of the Ordinance, as well as by barangay officials and other force multipliers (Leonardo Micua/ PhilStar Wire Service-ECV/Jerick  Pasiliao)

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