Octa to gov’t: Identify set of milestones achieved when lifting face mask policy

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MANILA, Philippines — The government should define a “set of triggers” in case there is a need to reimpose face mask policy if there is a surge of cases, said independent pandemic monitor Octa Research on Monday.

The think tank, however, expressed its support for the easing of the mandate but reiterated that every change in policy “should be grounded in science and based on ensuring public health and safety for all.”

“To this end Octa has suggested to the government through channels that a set of milestones to be achieved first as a prerequisite to the lifting of the outdoor mask mandate [such as increasing booster rates etc.] as well as defining a set of triggers to reimpose the use of masks outdoors should a serious surge in cases happen,” said Octa in a statement.

“We hope the government can still consider these in the implementation of its new policy,” it added.

Octa said it had already been advocating for the relaxation of mask mandates but only on spaces that are not crowded and have good ventilation.

“For its part OCTA will continue its work of monitoring the state of Covid-19 in the country in support of our collective effort to fight this pandemic,” it said.

Octa tells public to get vaccinated

Octa Research in the same statement then urged the public to participate in the government’s vaccination and booster program, stressing it as the best way to protect the country from COVID-19.

“Mask or no mask the vax programs need to be intensified as these are the most viable ways to protect our citizens from COVID-19,” said Octa.

“We must continue to be vigilant as COVID -19 is still here; continues to be a threat to all,” it added.

This came after Malacañang earlier announced President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 3, which made wearing face masks in “open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation” voluntary.

Individuals who are yet to be fully vaccinated, along with senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals, however, are still “highly encouraged” to wear face masks.

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