Gov’t requires all residents in ECQ areas to wear face masks, improvised ones in public spaces

(Eagle News)–All residents in areas declared under an enhanced community quarantine are now required to wear face masks or improvised ones when leaving their homes.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the announcement in a virtual press briefing on Thursday, April 2.

“For areas placed under ECQ, the IATF hereby adopts the policy of mandatory wearing by all residents of face masks, earloop masks, indigenous, reusable or do-it-yourself masks, face shields, handkerchiefs, or such other protective equipment that can effectively lessen the transmission of COVID-19, whenever allowed to go out of their residences,” Nograles said.

According to Nograles, local government units will have to pass ordinances for this purpose so penalties “as may be appropriate” may be imposed.

Earlier, the Department of Health said the wearing of masks was only mandatory for people who were feeling sick.

The ECQ in Luzon is expected to last until mid-April.