Opinion-Editorial NEWS

Masks, seatbelts, and why we wear them

The politics of masking and why masks are not just for Covid-19

The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to get vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19 as several people are expected to hold gatherings in time for Christmas.

The House of Representatives will continue to implement the face mask mandate–at least for the time being.

CEBU CITY – School as well as municipal and city officials in Cebu were reminded that wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor setting within the province is optional.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora inked on Friday, Nov. 4, the City Ordinance No. 54, series of 2022 adopting Executive Order No. 7 issued by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in both indoor and outdoor settings in the city except in health care facilities, medical transport vehicles and public transportation by land, air or sea.

The Department of Health (DOH) backed the decision of the Department of Education (DepEd) to make wearing of face masks in classrooms optional.

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.

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.

Local government units (LGUs) may still implement the mandatory wearing of face masks in their respective areas under certain circumstances, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

The wearing of face masks in public transport and medical facilities are still “required” as the country is set to make the use of face masks in indoor settings voluntary, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, October 26 said the wearing of face mask and observing other minimum health protocols is still the best and economical intervention against COVID-19.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday, October 25 renewed his call for Filipinos to remain vigilant and compliant with existing COVID-19 health protocols even if the Marcos government is soon to issue an executive order making the wearing of face masks indoors voluntary.

The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated on Tuesday, Oct. 25, that people can be better protected against Covid-19 if they use multiple layers of protection.

House Committee on Appropriations Chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co foresees “improvements” in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) during the latter part of the year, thanks to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

The threat of new and highly contagious variants of Covid-19 should not impact the direction of the Marcos administration to open up the country to tourists and investors as Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco disclosed on Tuesday, Oct. 25, that current tourist arrivals of more than 1.8 million surpassed earlier projections.

The public was urged by the Department of Health (DOH) to wear face masks when going to cemeteries during the observance of “Undas” or All Saints’ Day next month.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’ Abalos Jr. issued a memorandum circular (MC) directing the local government units (LGUs), including the barangays, to amend their ordinances or issuances pertaining to the voluntary wearing of face masks outdoors.