To wear face mask or not?: DOH reminds public to assess Covid-19 risk

The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to assess their individual risk in deciding whether to use a face mask or not as Filipinos are expected to visit cemeteries on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, respectively.
“Inaasahan ang pagdagsa ng mga Pilipino sa mga sementeryo ngayong darating na undas at bagamat pinaluwag na ang mga restriksyon patungkol sa pagsusuot ng facemask - Hindi masama kung tayo ay patuloy na magiingat (Filipinos are expected to flock to cemeteries this coming Undas. Although the restrictions on wearing face masks have been eased, it is not wrong if we continue to be careful),” the DOH said in an advisory.
The DOH said that there are five things that should be taken into account in order for a person to be safer and protected against Covid-19: vaccination, ventilation, mask, physical distance, and health status.
The DOH provided a “checklist” in order to help people assess their risk in such places. It said, the public should consider if people visiting the cemeteries are fully vaccinated, is crowded, can keep a distance of at least one meter from others, is there good ventilation, and if people can practice hand sanitation.
In assessing personal risk, Filipinos should consider the frequency of their interactions with other people, how often they go in crowded places, and if they are in close contact with senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with comorbidities at home.
“If you have anything in the checklist, it will be better to use a face mask,” the DOH said in Filipino.
To note, this will be the first time that Filipinos will be able to observe Undas in cemeteries and columbariums since the pandemic started in 2020.
The government has also eased the face mask rule in the country, making it voluntary in both indoor and outdoor areas.