MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday urged local government units (LGUs) to not enforce a no-mask-no-entry policy in establishments and called that the medical supply should be left instead to health workers attending to the needs of patients who have or suspected to have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said the DOH received reports that some LGUs require residents in their areas to wear face masks when entering convenience stores and other establishments.
“Nakikiusap po kami sa mga LGUs, pinapakisuyuan po namin ang lahat na kung wala po tayong sintomas ay ipagpaubaya na po natin ang face masks para doon sa may mga sintomas at sa ating frontline healthcare workers na siyang mas nangangailangan nito,” she said in a televised press briefing.
(We plead to our LGUs and everyone to let the face masks go to those who have symptoms or to health workers who need it more.)
Instead of implementing the no-mask-no-entry policy, Vergeire said LGUs can instead impose strict social distancing in their areas, and encourage residents in their jurisdictions to observe other preventive measures such as frequent washing of hands and cough etiquette.
Several hospitals have been requesting for the supply of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to prevent its personnel from being infected with the disease, following the spike in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country.
Vergeire said the DOH has also recently distributed PPEs to 37 hospitals that have reported a shortage in supply of these items.
As of 4.p.m. Wednesday, the country has already recorded 38 deaths—with three additional fatalities—due to COVID-19, as well as 636 confirmed cases. A total of 26 persons who tested positive for the virus have recovered.