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Wearing of masks still required in enclosed, crowded spaces, Herbosa reiterates
Wearing of masks still required in enclosed, crowded spaces, Herbosa reiterates
The mandatory use of face masks in enclosed and crowded spaces is not yet lifted, a health expert cautioned the public on Monday, Sept. 12.
Following Malacañang’s issuance of Executive Order No. 3, greenlighting the voluntary wearing of face masks in non-crowded outdoor settings, Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Emergency Medicine Chairman Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa reminded the public that face masks are still required in crowded, indoor, and enclosed spaces.
Masks shall also continue to be worn in public transportation or outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
“Tandaan natin na hindi pa inaalis ‘yung mask mandate. Sa mga enclosed spaces at crowded ay mandatory pa rin ang naka-mask (Let us remember that the mask mandate is not yet lifted. In enclosed spaces and crowded areas, wearing a mask is still mandatory) ,” said Herbosa in an interview over DZBB on Monday afternoon.
While the mandatory use of masks in open, non-crowded, outdoor areas with good ventilation has already been lifted, there remains an exception as individuals who have yet to complete their vaccinations, senior citizens, and immunocompromised Filipinos are still advised to continue wearing masks at all times.
“Sinabi doon sa Executive Order No. 3, kung ikaw ay hindi pa bakunado o hindi pa naka booster – mag mask ka. Kung ikaw ay may edad na o above 50 – mag mask ka. Kung ikaw ay immunocompromised – mag mask ka kasi pwede ka pa ring mahawa ng Covid (As stated in the Executive Order No. 3, if you haven’t been vaccinated or haven’t had a booster yet – wear a mask. If you are an elderly or above 50 – wear a mask. If you are immunocompromised – wear a mask because you can still get infected with Covid),” he added.
With this newly-implemented policy, the expert said the public should be more cautious and vigilant in order to prevent the possible spread of the disease.
As disclosed in the executive order, several neighboring countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have already liberalized their mask mandates without seeing an increase in their Covid-19 cases.
Herbosa said he is hoping that the same happens to the Philippines.