By Arabella Asis
The government on Sep. 12 last year lifted the mandatory wearing of face masks in outdoor settings and in open spaces with good ventilation.
With the decreasing number of severe COVID-19 cases in the country, some Filipinos approve the voluntary use of face masks.
However, the city government of Manila recently expressed that it may review its policy on the use of face masks following an uptick of COVID-19 cases recorded by the Department of Health (DOH).
We asked netizens about their opinion on the mandatory wearing of face masks.
Some Filipinos argued against the idea due to the heat especially during the dry season.
“Lalong magkakasakit ang [tao sa] face mask [na] ‘yan dahil [sa] init at hindi makahinga [nang] maayos,” one netizen wrote.
“Ubod ng init [tigil-tigilan niyo] pagbalik niyan,” another one commented.
The highest heat indices recorded in the Philippines currently range from 42°C to 46°C.
On the other hand, some are still willing to wear face masks as protection against the virus and air pollution.
“Sa face mask, [‘di] lang [naman] COVID ang maiiwasan, pati ibang nakakahawang sakit at pollution. ‘Wag [tayo] mainggit sa ibang bansa na sobrang luwag na. Isipin natin [‘yung] kaligtasan natin,” a comment from one netizen read.
“Dapat lang po, for our own protection, too. Let us be cautious [palagi], lalo na sa matataong lugar,” another netizen commented.
At the recent DOH media briefing, DOH Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire stated the current 7.6% positivity rate is still manageable, thus, the return of mask mandates is not being considered.
“This is voluntary. Wala pang napag-uusapan sa ngayon,” Vergeire clarified.
The health official nonetheless reminded the public to observe minimum health protocols especially in crowded areas with poor ventilation. – cf