Duque’s plea: Stop hoarding masks

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has appealed to the public not to hoard and use surgical masks and N95 masks especially if they are not ill so these could be reserved for those who need them the most, like the sick and health workers, following the World Health Organization’s announcement that there is already an “insufficient” supply of the products worldwide.

Duque stressed that at this time, surgical masks are recommended only for use of health workers, those taking care of the sick and those with respiratory infections or experiencing such symptoms as coughing, sneezing or fever.

The N95 masks, on the other hand, should be reserved for health workers attending to patients with respiratory infections or those suspected of being exposed to the 2019 novel coronavirus, as well as those handling clinical specimens or soiled medical supplies or have been in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.