By Alec Go
It is not yet time to lift COVID-19 alert levels and the mandatory wearing of face masks, the Department of Health (DOH) said, citing resurgence of cases in countries that have taken out face mask use.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said no policies have been drafted yet on “Alert Level Zero” since it is currently being evaluated, together with other restrictions amid de-escalation, such as the use of face masks.
“Hindi pa panahon para magtanggal ng face mask. Matuto tayo sa karanasan ng iba’t-ibang mga bansa sa Europa, kung saan [noong] tinanggal nila ang mask mandates, makita mo naglipana na naman ang mga kaso,” he said in the March 17 Laging Handa briefing.
He said it is too “premature” and very early to remove the equipment, adding that the country should practice prudence and “be guided by data and science” through its experts panel.
Duque said 57 areas are under Alert Level 2 that need to strengthen their COVID-19 vaccination programs before they are downgraded to Alert Level 1.
“Marami pa rin namang mga mga lugar na nasa Alert Level 2 pa, ‘yun muna ang inaatupag natin ngayon — tulungan sila para ma-de-escalate to Alert Level 1,” he said.
“Maayos naman tayo sa Alert Level 1. Tingin ko ay hanggang sa katapusan na, and of course, depende sa mga nagbabadyang mga variants, mutations… Alert Level 1 muna tayo, malamang hanggang sa katapusan ng termino ng ating Pangulong Duterte,” he added.
Amid the threat of the BA.2.2 Omicron subvariant, the health chief said the current measures will remain in place and unaltered, such as vaccination and the observance of health standards.
Duque also recognized the possibility of case increase with the entry of the subvariant, especially if health protocols are discarded.
Meanwhile, health authorities have yet to decide on administering a second booster shot or fourth dose to health workers, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals. -rir
Watch the March 17, 2022 Laging Handa briefing here:
