The city government of Baguio is reimposing the mandatory face mask policy amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
In an interview with the media on Monday, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong said he will issue an executive order requiring the use of face masks inside establishments as well as in tourist destinations.
"At i-avoid na rin nating ang handshakes at gamitin na muna natin ang fist bump at elbow bump. I-avoid na natin 'yung pakikipagkamay," he added.
Magalong said they have forecasted that there will be a spike of COVID-19 cases in Baguio City in three to four weeks from now, as driven by the Arcturus COVID-19 subvariant.
But he noted that most COVID-19 cases recorded are "mild" and do not require "hospitalization".
Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna has also ordered the mandatory face masks rule for employees and visitors in the Manila City Hall.
As of May 15, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 1,723 new COVID-19 cases, with the active tally rising to 15,895.
The country now has a total of 4,116,925 COVID-19 cases.
