Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) — The Department of Health on Tuesday said it will not recommend the return of mandatory face mask use despite the rise in COVID-19 cases.
DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the positivity rate, or the percentage of tested people with positive COVID-19 results, is on the rise. From 6.9% last week or an average of 274 cases per day, it is now at 7.6% nationwide or an average of 371 new infections daily.
She said this cannot be considered an alarming spike, adding cases are expected to rise depending on activities like long holidays.
“Hindi tayo nagko-consider ibalik ang masking mandate,” she said in a media briefing. “This is voluntary. Wala pang napag-uusapan sa ngayon.”
[Translation: We are not considering to bring back the masking mandate. This remains voluntary. We are not discussing its reimposition.]
The health official encouraged the public to wear masks in crowded areas, places with poor ventilation, and if they have an existing illness.
Vergeire also reminded the public to make sure their vaccination and booster shots are up-to-date.
She added DOH has approved the guidelines for the rollout of second booster shots for the general adult population. She said it will be cascaded to all local government units soon.
