Lacson urges public to wear face masks amid rise in flu cases

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson encouraged the Negrenses to wear face masks amid the rise of cases with flu-like symptoms, especially in schools.

"The wearing of face masks is something we learned during the Covid-19 pandemic," he said on Monday, October 2.

The governor pointed out that face masks "will not only protect us from Covid-19, but from other viruses."

There seems to be virus not only in Negros but also in Manila, where some of the schools have gone back to online schooling.

He added that he has not stopped using face masks.

"I saw the change, especially that I easily caught a cold. Because I continually use facemasks, I have had the flu only once in the last four years," Lacson stressed.

He added that he supports the decision of some schools in the province to require their students and staff to wear face masks.

"It is within the discretion of the school management. It will be the problem of the school if it spreads among their students," he also said.

Lacson also called on the public to wear face masks in public transportation and in enclosed areas.

Ian Arnold Arnaiz, spokesperson of the Department of Education- Division of Negros Occidental, confirmed last week that some schools have advised their students and staff to wear face masks amid the rise of flu-like cases.*