DOH suggests double-masking as COVID active cases go up
This Monday, the Department of Health reminded the public to keep their guards up against COVID-19. This is because active cases are starting to fill up hospitals.
The public must still wear masks and face shields outside their homes
According to this government agency, Filipinos may wear a double mask for additional protection. Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said that the health system in Metro Manila is at “moderate risk”. Meanwhile, there’s also a surge of active cases in the Cagayan Valley Region and Central Visayas. The rest of the country is under “low risk” as Vega told the source.
The COVID-19 active cases last peaked during August 2020. President Rodrigo Duterte rolled back quarantines from General Community Quarantine to the stricter Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine. Because of that, there was a delay in the partial reopening of the economy.
Filipinos became more complacent as the government ease restrictions
After that, Vega observed that the public seems to turn complacent due to the easing of restrictions and news about vaccines’ arrival. However, they should still wear face masks and face shields properly. Aside from that, they should not forget to wash their hands thoroughly and practice physical distancing.
He added,”Kung kailangan mag-double mask, mas maigi. Mag-double mask ka. Kung di natin ayusin ‘to at di magbago ang ating behavior, mahihirapan, matatalo tayo sa transmission ng virus. Ito na ang race between vaccination and infection so kailangan natin matalo ang transmission.”
The entry of more contagious COVID variants such as the ones that originated in South Africa and the U.K. could play a part in the ongoing surge in the Philippines, Vega said. Last week, the DOH confirmed 58 South African variant cases. Vega explained,”Nakaa-alarm dahil tumataas na rin ang active cases. Alam naman natin once tumaas ang active cases, tumataas na rin ang rate of admission, and, of course, ‘yong nangangailangan ng intensive care unit at ventilators.”
He also noted that hospitals have been preparing the protocols since the August 2020 peak. Allegedly, the health system was ‘ready’.
Do you think wearing double masks is safer and more effective?
