Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 26) — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday refuted a viral online post on the supposed return of the mandatory COVID-19 face mask policy in Metro Manila, saying that restrictions in the capital region “remain to be in the status quo.”
A social media card announcing that masks “should be worn at all times” in Metro Manila has circulated in the past days, but the DOH said the information is “incorrect.”
“The department continues to remind the public to be mindful of the information we share and source information from reputable sources such as the official platforms and pages of the department, other national government agencies and institutions, as well as known news outlets among others,” the agency said in its advisory.
It also clarified that the region remains under Alert Level 1 and that the current alert level system is “still being discussed through the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force).”
For the April 17 to 23 period, the DOH logged 3,148 new coronavirus infections, which reflected a 32% increase from the previous week’s tally.
OCTA Research fellow Guido David also reported that the positivity rate in Metro Manila increased to 12.3% from 8.1% a week ago.
NCR 7-day positivity rate went up to 12.3% from 8.1% a week ago. #Arcturus #Covid #covid19 @dzbb @DZAR1026 pic.twitter.com/YZtWK5Z8jj
— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) April 26, 2023
Despite the recent spike in cases, the DOH has previously said it would not recommend bringing back the mandatory mask rule.
