Sidelined DOH urges use of face masks, distancing to prevent COVID in schools

Students attend the first day of in-person classes after years-long Covid-19 lockdowns at Pedro Guevara Elementary School in Manila on August 22, 2022.

AFP / Maria Tan

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health stressed that more layers of protection such as wearing masks and observing physical distancing will help prevent the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 in schools.

The DOH issued the statement after the education department made the wearing of face masks inside classrooms optional. The health department also said it defers to the Department of Education on policy decisions for the wellbeing and safety of students.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. decided last month to make wearing face masks optional except in healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles and public transportation.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/11/02/2221024/sidelined-doh-urges-use-face-masks-distancing-prevent-covid-schools