Overruled DOH reminds public that face masks help protect vs COVID-19

A woman walks past a mural depicting frontline health workers wearing masks, along a street in Manila on November 10, 2021.

AFP / Ted Aljibe

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health on Tuesday reminded the public that using more layers of protection — like vaccination and wearing face masks — will help protect them against COVID-19 as the government is set to loosen masking rules further.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said earlier Tuesday at a Palace briefing that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will soon issue an order making wearing face masks indoors voluntary. Mask will still be required in public transportation and in medical settings, she also said.

"While the DOH has illustrated all potential scenarios to the [Inter-Agency Task Force on the for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases] during discussions concerning masking mandates, the IATF is a collegial body that takes into consideration the concerns of all sectors," the department, which chairs the task force, said in a statement to media.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/10/25/2219239/overruled-doh-reminds-public-face-masks-help-protect-vs-covid-19