AS the number of respiratory diseases continues to increase, medical experts are urging the public to again start wearing face masks to protect themselves from possible infection.
In separate interviews, Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) president Dr. Rontgene Solante and former Department of Health (DOH) special adviser Dr. Anthony Leachon noted the surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and influenza-like illnesses in the country.
“To give the public additional layer of protection, we recommend, at least, the optional wearing of face mask… It is still better if we wear face masks,” said Solante in a television interview.
“Wear face masks. Lots of COVID cases now. Stay safe,” Leachon said in a social media post.
The latest COVID-19 case bulletin of the DOH shows an average of 260 cases daily for the period of December 5 to 11, which is 36 percent higher than cases reported from November 28 to December 4.
As for influenza-like illnesses (ILI), the DOH said there are 171,067 cases, as of October 28, which is 49 percent higher than the 114,536 ILI cases recorded during the same period last year.
Leachon said that while cases are mostly mild ones, it would be wrong to underestimate their effect.
“Don’t underestimate this virus… this can be risky among the vulnerable population,” he said.
Solante said mandatory masking is not yet necessary, pointing out that “we need to give the people the responsibility on how to properly protect themselves.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is now requiring all its medical personnel and visitors to wear face masks.
“Everybody, be it healthcare workers or visitors, must wear their masks upon entering hospital,” PGH spokesperson Dr. Jonas del Rosario said in a radio interview.
Del Rosario said that there are currently eight COVID-19 patients, including six kids, confined in the PGH.
