A significant 83.4 percent of Filipinos who visited enclosed public places found them to be well-ventilated aligning with public health guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.

This is based on the 2023 Covid-19 mobile phone survey conducted by the Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Epidemiology Bureau.

This comprehensive survey, conducted in February 2023, gathered data from 2,326 individuals aged 18 and above through SMS and mobile web platforms. The findings of the survey were posted on the DOH Facebook page on Sept. 11.

The DOH emphasized that the insights derived from the 2023 Philippines Covid-19 mobile phone survey have the potential to significantly enhance the available data for shaping the government's response to the ongoing pandemic.

The survey covered various aspects of Covid-19, including behavior, exposure, knowledge, perceptions, care management, and treatment, which can inform policies and resource allocation related to the Covid-19 response.

The policy implications stemming from the results are expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the government's pandemic response efforts.

These findings, said the DOH, will be instrumental in shaping future strategies and initiatives aimed at addressing the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The DOH underscored that the survey results will provide valuable guidance for the department as it continues to refine and strengthen its Covid-19 response efforts.

Focus on open spaces

One significant aspect of the survey is its examination of risk factors and behaviors related to minimum public health standards in open spaces.

A significant 83.4 percent of Filipinos who visited enclosed public places found them to be well-ventilated, aligning with public health guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19, according to the survey results.

It also noted that among those who frequented open public spaces, seven in 10 adults reported the availability of handwashing and sanitation stations.

Furthermore, an impressive nine in 10 respondents affirmed that these open spaces were accessible to all individuals, ensuring inclusivity.

The survey also revealed that approximately 63.4 percent of those surveyed observed open spaces to be free from activities like smoking, vaping, drug use, and alcohol consumption.

This commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe environment demonstrates public compliance with regulations, DOH said.  

In terms of environmental responsibility, eight in 10 respondents believed that proper waste management and eco-friendly, non-polluting practices were enforced in these open spaces.

Moreover, the survey highlighted that a substantial 83.4 percent of those who had used public transportation in the two weeks leading up to the survey reported that these transportation modes were adequately ventilated.

These findings, said the DOH, underscore the importance of adherence to minimum public health standards in open spaces and transportation, contributing to the ongoing efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19 in the Philippines. (Zekinah Elize Espina)