Local govts penalize discrimination vs. COVID patients, frontliners

Nueva Ecija and other local governments have passed ordinances penalizing discrimination against COVID-19 patients, suspected cases, health workers, and frontliners.

In Nueva Ecija, Governor Aurelio Umali signed Ordinance 30-s-2020 on April 8, making it unlawful to discriminate or harass individuals with or suspected of having COVID-19, as well as healthcare workers.

Violators in Nueva Ecija face fines up to P5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte signed Executive Order No. 26 on April 6, protecting individuals with or suspected of having COVID-19 and their families from discrimination.

Lipa City also passed an anti-COVID-19 discrimination ordinance on April 6, imposing similar penalties for violators.