President Rodrigo Duterte has directed local government units (LGUs) to provide free face masks to their constituents to curb the spread of the Covid-19 infections, stressing that wearing facemasks can save people from a lot of trouble.
Duterte’s order required provincial, city and municipal governments chief executives to procure face masks and give them to their people for free. He expressed confidence the LGUs will heed his call.
“If you do not want to do that, I will deliver it to your places. I will go to the city hall and give it to you. I would deliver it if you don’t want to buy it. Just give it to the people. You don’t want to spend the money, I will spend mine),” he said.
The use of a face mask is one of the government’s health protocols that Filipinos need to follow amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Some LGUs have already begun distributing free face masks even before Duterte’s latest order.
Aside from wearing face masks and face shields, government authorities constantly remind the public to continue observing physical distancing and frequent handwashing.