Return of mandatory face mask rule in Baguio draws mixed reactions
Robust travel and other economic activities have helped Baguio City recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. But the summer capital will again require the mandatory use of face masks to curb new infections. (Photo by Neil Clark Ongchangco)
BAGUIO CITY— Some residents of this city welcomed the move by Mayor Benjamin Magalong to reinstate the compulsory wearing of face masks indoors, while others believe other precautionary measures against COVID-19 must be strictly enforced.
Kaira Angeles, a student who had recovered from COVID, said mask-wearing is worth pursuing if it means students and residents would be spared from the disease.
“I have experienced becoming COVID-positive … and it affected my classes. It was hard to catch up with school,” Angeles told the Inquirer.
She added: “I think it’s okay for it (mandatory mask-wearing) to return because it will ensure everyone’s safety.”
Some pointed out that other health-related safety protocols for reducing COVID-19 transmission must be practiced along with the wearing of face masks.
“We need to practice social distancing again and get vaccinated,” said Michael Rubio, a university professor.
But other residents stressed that the local government should provide support especially for the poor.
“There should be another round of vaccination drives since this will be the best way to protect the citizens from COVID-19,” Mavee Enoza, a resident, shared.
Paula Adduru, another student, said it would be better if the city government would provide free face masks, “especially to poor households that have to pay other bills.”
Magalong said reimposing the face mask rule would be a proactive response to reduce the growing number of COVID cases in the city.
“Our forecast is that there will be an increasing trend for the next three to four weeks before we realize it’s plateauing. We suspect that it is the Arcturus variant that originated in India. We need to be more careful today,” Magalong said in a statement.
Magalong said the local vaccination initiatives have intensified, with an average of 60 people receiving the vaccines per day. INQ
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