Amid the proposed easing of the country’s border control and the implementation of voluntary wearing of masks in outdoor settings, local government units (LGUs) across the country were told to intensify their Covid-19 risk communication.

Defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the real-time exchange of information between experts and people who are facing threat to their health or social well-being, this scheme, according to a health expert, may further protect Filipinos against the infectious disease. 

“Very important na updated ang ating mga mamamayan tungkol sa sitwasyon ng kanilang lugar or sa LGU nila, o yung tinatawag natin na risk communication. nating i-inform ang kung ang kanilang lugar ay tumataas (It is very important that our citizens are updated about the situation in their area or in their LGU – this is what we call risk communication. We need to inform the public if their area has a rising number of Covid-19 cases) ,” said Philippine General Hospital’s Emergency Medicine Chairman Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa in a “Laging Handa” public briefing on Tuesday, Sept. 21.

Citing the recent data released by the independent OCTA Research group as of Monday, Sept. 19, Herbosa disclosed that several Philippine provinces are seeing an uptick in its Covid-19 positivity rate. 

Among these provinces include Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pangasinan, and Rizal. Metro Manila, as pointed out by OCTA, also recorded an increase in its positivity rate. 

Filipinos should be aware of their area’s Covid-19 updates so they can be careful with their behavior, said the expert.

Meanwhile, despite the voluntary wearing of masks outdoors, Herbosa urged the public to continue wearing masks in order to protect themselves against Covid-19.