Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 10) — While 75% of Filipinos continue to adhere to health protocols like using face masks, frequent hand washing, and observing physical distancing, compliance fell in Visayas and Mindanao, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.
The SWS on Thursday said its April-May study found 75% of Filipinos always use face masks, 67% always wash their hands, 58% always observe physical distancing, and 53% always wear face shields nationwide.
Among the regions, using a face mask was most common in Balance Luzon (80%), followed by Metro Manila (78%), Visayas (72%), and Mindanao (64%). Compared to the last survey in September 2020, the compliance rate for wearing masks in the Visayas and Mindanao each dropped by 14 points from 86% and 78%, respectively. Metro Manila’s rate barely moved from 77% while Balance Luzon rose by four points from 76%.
Frequent hand washing rates were highest in Metro Manila (76%), followed by Balance Luzon (71%), the Visayas (69%), and Mindanao (52%). The Mindanao rate was lower by 13 points from September while in the Visayas, it was down by six points. The Metro Manila figure rose by 13 points while Balance Luzon was also up by seven points.
Fewer residents said they observe physical distancing in Mindanao and Visayas as well. The 42% compliance rate in Mindanao is 18 points lower than the previous 60%. Visayas also suffered a drop from 66% to 52%. The rate in Metro Manila stayed at 65% while the Balance Luzon figure rose by ten points to 66%.
Meanwhile, compliance with the face shield requirement is highest in Metro Manila (66%), followed by Balance Luzon (62%), Mindanao (43%), and the Visayas (35%), the SWS said. The number declined sharply in Visayas and Mindanao, falling by 31 and 15 points, respectively. On the other hand, the Metro Manila rate was higher by 11 points and Balance Luzon rose by ten points.
The SWS pointed out compliance with frequent hand washing and using face masks was lower among those who said they were not worried about catching the coronavirus.
The survey was conducted from April 28 to May 2, through face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults: 300 each in Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao, the SWS said. The sampling error margins are ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
