Concepcion on voluntary outdoor masking: PH now entering a new phase

STILL ON Pedestrians crossing a street in downtown Cebu City on Monday still wear face masks despite an order from Mayor Michael Rama relaxing the mask mandate in the city. —NESTLE SEMILLA

MANILA — As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 3 allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings, Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said that the Philippines is now entering a new phase in the pandemic.

“We are moving to a new phase, one where Filipinos can manage their own risks, and where our approach now shifts to making sure we have mitigation strategies in place,” he said.

These mitigation strategies against COVID-19 include stocking up on antiviral pills,which he believes is a more practical move. “We should ensure that we have enough supply of antiviral pills, especially Paxlovid, which we are currently out of stock in the country. This will become crucial as people start moving around without masks outdoors,” he said.

Concepcion emphasized that Filipinos must continue to ensure that they remove their face masks only in outdoor settings and where there is good ventilation, but continue to wear them in public transportation and health care facilities, and when around vulnerable members of the population, such as the elderly and very young children.

Concepcion also said that Filipinos will know how to reduce their risk of catching COVID-19, especially considering that a survey early this year showed that they will continue to wear face masks to protect themselves and their families even when they are not required to do so.