READ: Filipinos on surgical mask frenzy mode as PH confirms first novel coronavirus case
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 28) — The Department of Health on Friday said that a company in Bataan province has committed to provide 200,000 surgical masks a week amid the coronavirus threat.
“We have the commitment of the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) that the manufacturing company in Bataan Export Processing Zone has committed 200,000 masks a week for the DOH. So this is now being processed,” said DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III in a press briefing.
Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease or COVID-19, fear of catching the respiratory disease caused by the deadly virus has spread quickly. This led people to haul surgical masks in medical supply stores.
Yet, the DOH reiterated that surgical masks should be worn only by those who have respiratory disease or have close contact with those infected.
“Our policy is if you are not sick, do not wear masks. Otherwise, you might contribute to the acute shortage of PPEs (personal protective equipment) which should prioritize health care workers, frontliners in provision of care to patients,” added Duque.
The World Health Organization also advised everyone to avoid stockpiling of any personal protective equipment as demand for such is now 100 times higher than normal, and prices are up to 20 times higher.
