Residents not wearing face shields along with face masks will be penalized as City Ordinance 944 (CO 944), requiring its use in certain places as an added protection against coronavirus disease (Covid-19), takes effect.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, chairperson of the city’s inter-agency task force against Covid-19, reminded Bacolodnons on Wednesday that the proper wearing of face shield in public places is now mandatory.

CO 944, which was passed by the City Council last Oct. 28, and approved by Mayor Evelio Leonardia on Nov. 3, is titled the “Face Mask, Face Shield and Social Distancing Ordinance of Bacolod City”.

The local law amended Sections 1, 2, 3, and 6 of CO 926, which initially required the mandatory use of face mask only and observance of social distancing in all public places.

Section 3 of CO 944 states that all persons in public places are required to wear face mask properly. It is also required even of occupants inside public or private vehicles as well as persons inside private office/ place where the general public may be allowed.

Section 4 provides 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, will be penalized with a fine of PHP200 or eight hours of community service for every violation.

The community service will be supervised by the City Health Office in coordination with the barangay where the said violators reside.

If the violator is not a resident of Bacolod, he or she will be penalized with a fine of PHP300.

A citation ticket will be issued to all who will not observe the ordinance, who then will be informed of their violation and its penalty.

When a citation ticket is issued to a violator, the violator will 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.

According to the ordinance, aside from the mandatory use of face mask, face shield should 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 should also observe social distancing in all public places, public or private vehicles, and private places where the public may be allowed. (PNA)