GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Residents and visitors who fail to use protective face masks when going out in public places here will now face hefty penalties, including potential jail time.
This came after the City Council approved during Tuesday's special session an ordinance that requires the mandatory use of face masks by all persons in the city as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
City Councilor Franklin Gacal Jr. said the move complies with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Memorandum Circular 2020-071, which sets the use of face masks by everyone when going to public places.
Gacal pointed out that even the wearing of improvised masks and other home-made protective equipment can reduce the risks of local transmission of Covid-19.
He also reminded local business establishments of their duty to provide face masks for their employees for free.
Under the ordinance, first-time offenders would be meted with at least nine days of community service. For the second and third offense, violators will face a fine of PHP3,000 and one-month imprisonment.
Gacal made it clear that the ordinance would only take effect during the enhanced community quarantine.
The quarantine period here will end on April 30 but the city government was still evaluating whether it would terminate or extend the measure. (PNA)
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