CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – Quezon Governor Angelina “Helen” Tan has ordered the reimposition of the mandatory wearing of face masks in the province as a proactive measure to stem the reported rise in COVID-19 cases and other influenza-like illnesses in the province.

Executive Order DHT-60, which Tan signed on Dec. 27, 2023, ordered the mandatory wearing of face masks in all government and private offices, public spaces, hospitals, clinics, indoor settings and in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained. 

Additionally, Tan advised patients with flu-like symptoms like cough, cold, sore throat, or fever to isolate themselves in order to prevent the transmission of potential disease-carrying viruses.

She clarified that testing of suspect cases and individuals with mild symptoms shall remain optional.

“Isolate immediately if experiencing flu-like symptoms such as cough, colds, sore throat or fever.” Tan stated.

The governor likewise encouraged the public to update their flu and pneumococcal vaccines as an additional layer of protection.

“Everyone is urged to stay vigilant, get vaccinated, and wear face masks everywhere they go in order to be safe and to protect themselves and their family in light of the rise in cold, cough, and other flu-like cases all over the country.” the provincial government appealed on its Facebook page.

Bessie Ornedo, a resident of Lucena City, expressed her agreement to the measure and hopes to get free anti-flu vaccine from the Provincial Government.

"(The executive order) is valid. I hope that they provide free vaccines like before” she said.

According to the latest bulletin of the Department of Health (DOH) on January 2, 2024, there are 5,509 active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

In Quezon Province, there are 83 active cases within the last 14 days in the onset of illness. 

The Quezon Provincial Health Office said that the mask mandate will remain in place unless repealed or lifted by another Executive Order by the governor. (AM/PIA-4A; with reports from Provincial Government of Quezon)