There is no need yet to compel all Filipinos to wear face masks despite the entry of the novel coronavirus in the country, according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Duque explained that such protective masks are recommended for people with cough, colds, and flu to prevent from passing the infection to others as well as health workers directly dealing with patients.
“Hindi tama iyon, hindi kailangan,” Duque said over government radio when Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar asked if face masks should be now a must for all Filipinos amid the risk posed by the novel coronavirus.
“Kahit na wala pa iyong novel coronavirus pero mayroon kang sipon, lagnat, ubo eh mas maganda magsuot ka ng mask para hindi ka makahawa. Again, hindi lang ito patungkol sa novel coronavirus, kung hindi pati sa mga ibang mga mikrobyo o ibang virus at bacteria. So hindi naman tama iyon, lahat pagsusuotin ng mask,” he said.
Duque maintained that healthcare workers should be given priority to wear such masks to avoid getting sick themselves.
Employees in other offices do not necessarily have to put on masks unless they have flu-like symptoms, he added.
“At ang mga priority diyan, iyong mga ating mangangalaga sa mga ospital – iyong mga doktor, iyong mga nurses, medtechs, midwives – iyan ang dapat pina-prioritize natin kasi sila ang haharap mismo doon sa mga may sakit,” he said. “Dahil wala naman tayo sa ospital, naglalakad tayo sa mga opisina natin, walang dapat ipangamba,” he added.
Duque advised the public to practice good personal hygiene, especially regular washing of hands, drink water and vitamins, and stay healthy through good nutrition and exercise. He also suggested people with flu-like symptoms to avoid crowded places. (Genalyn Kabiling)
