MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Amid a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, the government is considering making the wearing of face masks mandatory once again, according to President Marcos. The decision will be based on recommendations from health authorities, specifically the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and the Department of Health (DOH).
“Although the rate of increase is becoming huge, our baseline is just low, so hopefully… We’re still going to be able to do it,” Marcos said to reporters last Sunday on board flight PR-001.
The President expressed his hope that face masks will not have to be mandated again, but the government may have to conduct another vaccination campaign to protect Filipinos, especially the young ones, from the virus.
“It looks like we will have to conduct again, especially for young people, we’ll have to conduct again a vaccination push to reduce (the number of infections), especially with people… having a hard time because of the heat, that weakens their bodies, and that will make them more vulnerable to COVID again,” he said.
At the height of the pandemic, former president Rodrigo Duterte required the wearing of face masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As the situation improved, the government relaxed mobility restrictions. In September last year, Marcos made the wearing of face masks outdoors optional, followed by an executive order the next month making the wearing of face masks indoors voluntary except in healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles, and public transportation.
However, recent numbers show an uptick in COVID-19 cases. The DOH recorded 304 new cases last Saturday, bringing the number of active cases in the country to 5,070. The Metro Manila region had the highest number of new cases in the last two weeks, with 2,533 infections, followed by Calabarzon and Davao regions.
As the government considers measures to combat the virus, Filipinos are reminded to continue practicing health protocols such as wearing masks, physical distancing, and regular hand washing. The situation remains fluid, and the government will continue to assess the situation to determine appropriate measures to safeguard the health of its citizens. – WhatALife!/Jayve
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