Mandatory masking back at Manila city hall

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila government reinstated yesterday mandatory masking for employees and visitors at city hall amid a spike in COVID cases.

Mayor Honey Lacuna said workers and guests should wear face masks at all times while at the city hall premises to curb the spread of the virus.

“Starting today, we will strictly enforce the face mask mandate inside offices at city hall,” Lacuna said.

She said the face mask policy covers only the Manila city hall because she might be misunderstood by the public.

A licensed physician, Lacuna has repeatedly reminded her constituents to follow COVID protocols such as masking, avoiding crowded places and frequent hand washing or disinfection to avoid catching the virus.

As of yesterday, Manila had registered 217 active COVID cases.

Tondo 1 posted the highest number of cases with 41; Sampaloc, 34; Tondo 2, 22; Sta. Mesa, 30; Malate, 22; Sta. Cruz, 17, San Andres 10, and Paco, 10.

The city health department said COVID cases were also recorded in Binondo, Ermita, Intramuros, Pandacan, Quiapo, San Nicolas and Sta. Ana.

Port Area and San Miguel did not have any active COVID cases.

Lacuna said she wanted to ensure that city hall employees and visitors who transact with them are protected from the virus.