Negros Occidental logged nine COVID-related deaths this month amid the issuance of Executive Order No. 7 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to allow the optional wearing of face masks, in both indoor and outdoor settings.
COVID-19 cases in Negros Occidental have risen by about 100 percent, with 180 infections logged on Oct. 27, compared to 86 on Oct. 14, the Provincial Incident Management Team records show.
As stipulated in EO 7, the wearing of face mask is still mandatory in healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles, and public transportation.
The elderly, persons with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, unvaccinated individuals, and symptomatic persons are also encouraged to continue wearing face mask.
Minimum public health standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will still be implemented.
Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, earlier said they are ready to abide by any guidance from the national government to make the wearing of face mask voluntary indoors.
But Tumimbang said it should still be up to the people to decide whether or not to continue wearing face mask indoors, for their own protection and health reasons.
Since March 27, 2020 up to Oct. 27 this year, Negros Occidental recorded 43,268 coronavirus disease cases, with 41,055 recoveries, and 2,032 deaths./GB
