ASIDE from face masks, the proper wearing of face shields in public places is now mandatory in Bacolod City.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod passed City Ordinance No. 944, requiring the mandatory use of face shields in certain places in the city.

It was passed by the SP on October 28, 2020, and approved by Mayor Evelio Leonardia on November 3.

CO 944, 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 an ordinance requiring mandatory use of face masks 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 masks properly. The same shall be required even of occupants inside public or private vehicles, as well as persons inside private office/place where the general public may be allowed.

In addition to mandatory use of face masks, face shields shall 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 workplaces.

All persons shall observe social distancing in all public places, public or private vehicles, and private places where the public may be allowed.

Section 4 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 the ordinance, shall be penalized with a fine of P200 or eight hours of community service for every violation.

Community services shall be supervised by the City Health Office 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. (PR)