Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 7) — Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista does not see the need to require the wearing of face masks in public transport amid “walking pneumonia” cases in the country, although he said he will still encourage commuters to put on the added layer of protection.
The recommendation to mandate face masks must come from the Department of Health (DOH), Bautista told reporters on Thursday.
“It’s good also to personally have yung mga mask natin, although wala pa namang directive ang DOH [It’s good also to personally have these masks, although there is directive yet from the DOH.] Pero siguro [But perhaps], for security and safety of our passengers, we will encourage them to protect themselves,” he said.
The Philippine Ports Authority also highly encourages passengers to continue observing preventive health measures, such as the wearing of masks, regular washing of hands, and to maintain physical distancing as much as possible, General Manager Jay Santiago said.
Meanwhile, he added that he believes the current “walking pneumonia” cases will not result in the return of the “no face mask, no entry” policy implemented in ports during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa earlier said there’s no need for the mandatory wearing of face masks despite the rising cases of COVID-19 and respiratory illnesses in the country.
In a Senate hearing, he said they recommend the wearing of face masks for individuals who are high-risk, elderly and in crowded, not well-ventilated places.
Herbosa also insisted there is no outbreak of “walking pneumonia” in the country.
As of Nov. 25, the DOH confirmed there are four cases of the infection – formally known as Mycoplasma pneumoniae — among the reported influenza-like illnesses cases.
It also said this is not a new pathogen and has been previously detected in other cases.
Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag explained the country has recorded the illness before, but doctors nowadays would prescribe antibiotics for a suspected patient.
The DOH has urged the public to practice minimum health standards, especially the vulnerable population and those who experience cough and colds.
