A group of health workers reminded the public that the use of face masks can help ward off the transmission of not just Covid-19 but the other diseases as well.
The Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against Covid-19 (HPAAC) said that wearing face masks is one of the simple ways to protect oneself against viruses.
“As healthcare professionals, we still see how Covid-19 affects families and vulnerable individuals,” said HPAAC in a statement on Saturday, Oct. 29.
“But as we have seen from the past two years, wearing masks is a simple, practical, and effective way to prevent transmission of Covid-19 and other diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and chronic respiratory diseases,” it added.
The group issued the statement following the government’s decision to make wearing of face masks voluntary in both indoor and outdoor spaces nationwide.
HPAAC reminded the public that the Covid-19 virus is airborne.
“As policies on masking are eased, we urge the government and the private sector to ensure safe ventilation in the workplace, at schools, and on public transport,” it said.
“Given the airborne nature of the Covid-19 virus, it is time for a higher premium to be placed on measures that address crowding and air quality, because these allow us all to move about more safely,” it added.
The group noted that “standards for air quality and crowd management through engineering and administrative controls should be part of our new normal.”
HPAAC said that it is “highly” recommending to still wear face masks.
“We highly recommend everyone to continue masking, especially if you are elderly, immunocompromised, or have comorbidities; you are in close contact with elderly, immunocompromised, or those with comorbidities; you find yourself in an enclosed space or a crowded outdoor space, be it for work, travel or leisure,” it said.
“Public health is a shared responsibility. Let us work together for safe, COVID-proof environments,” it added.