BACOLOD CITY - Aside from face masks, the wearing of face shields in public places is now mandatory here.
This, after Mayor Evelio Leonardia approved City Ordinance No. 944, making it mandatory the use of face shields in public places in the city.
The new ordinance, or the “Face Mask, Face Shield, and Social Distancing Ordinance of Bacolod City”, amended Sections 1, 2, 3, and 6 of City Ordinance No. 926 series of 2020, or the ordinance requiring mandatory use of face mask and observance of social distancing in all public places in the city.
Section 3 of CO 944 states that all persons in public places shall be required to wear face mask properly. Masks shall also be required even of occupants inside public or private vehicles, as well as persons inside private offices where the general public is allowed entry.
In addition to the mandatory use of face masks, face shields should also be used while inside supermarkets, public markets, malls, venues for meetings (private or government service initiated); venues where private or government services are provided; all enclosed offices or establishments doing business; public transportation or public utility vehicles and enclosed work places.
All persons shall observe social distancing in all public places, public or private vehicles, and private places where the public may be allowed.
The ordinance states that any person who fails to wear properly the required face mask and face shield, or observe the mandated social distancing, as defined under this ordinance, shall be fined P200, or penalized with eight hours of community service for every violation.
Community services shall be supervised by the City Health Office (CHO) in coordination with the barangay where the said violators reside. If he is not a resident of Bacolod City, he shall be penalized with a fine of P300.
A citation ticket shall be issued to all who will not observe this ordinance, who then shall be informed of their violation and its penalty. When a citation ticket is issued to a violator, the violator shall be made to report by the apprehending authority to the City Treasurer’s Office or its duly authorized collection agent, within 24 hours from issuance.
The violator may either pay the fine or manifest to render community service.