Relaxed indoor, outdoor Covid health policies to boost PH economy- ULAP chief
By Chito Chavez
The optional wearing of face masks in open and enclosed spaces will spur the country’s economic development and reinvigorate the tourism industry, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua said on Wednesday, Oct. 26.
However, Cua emphasized that the responsibility of ensuring the person’s well-being depends on the individual as the optional wearing of face masks is now practiced in other countries like Singapore and Thailand.
He also pointed out that those with underlying medical issues should still wear face masks to protect themselves against the Covid-19 virus which they could easily catch.
“Doon naman sa mga mas siguro masigla ang katawan at wala naman kumpromiso ang kanilang kalusugan baka naman safe pa rin sila (against contacting Covid-19) (For those with healthy bodies and have no compromising medical issues, they are maybe safe),’’ Cua explained.
Despite the optional wearing of face masks indoors, Cua encouraged the concerned persons to complete their Covid-19 vaccine doses and boosters shots for their added protection against the disease.
The ULAP chief noted that he believes that all the provinces are ready to face any eventuality when the voluntary wearing of face masks is implemented in their respective areas.
Cua also stated that the country is not in critical level with regard to the Covid-19 cases, adding that “our healthcare system can absorb and manage the (Covid-19) cases that are present in our community.’’
Cua asserted the need to keep a close watch on the number of Covid-19 cases while expressing belief that the hospitals can provide the appropriate health care services to the concerned patients.
“So as long as yung ating (our) hospital and healthcare system is able to supply the necessary care, then I think we are all safe,’’ Cua noted.
Cua emphasized that the government should launch a massive information campaign on the urgency of getting booster shots to protect them from Covid-19 with some people being complacent, preferring not to get the booster injections. (Chito A. Chavez)