Despite Upsurge of COVID-19 Infections, DOH Will Not Reconsider the Mask Mandate

MANILA – Despite a minor rise in COVID-19 infections, the Department of Health is not considering reinstating strict mask regulations in Metro Manila.

In a press conference, the in-charge health officer Maria Rosario Vergeire stated, “We are not considering the return of the mask mandate.”

In both indoor and outdoor settings, mask use became optional in October. However, public transportation and healthcare facilities continue to need masks.

Still, Vergeire recommended people to use masks when they were in busy, poorly ventilated settings. “We encourage everyone to opt to wear a mask and to be aware of the appropriate times to do so,” she added.

Also urged to wear masks include the elderly, people with comorbid conditions, people who are immunosuppressed, and kids.

PROTOCOL UNCHANGED

Vergeire added that the nation’s isolation and quarantine rules are still in effect throughout the briefing.

Asymptomatic close contacts of suspected or confirmed patients who have had at least a primary series vaccination are exempt from quarantine, according to her.

Close contacts of suspected or confirmed cases who are partially or not fully immunized or who are asymptomatic must be quarantined for at least 14 days from the date of the last exposure, she stressed.

Here are some recommendations for isolating people with symptoms and suspect, probable, and proven cases:

• All suspect, probable, and confirmed cases must isolate for at least 7 days from the sample collection date or from the emergence of signs and symptoms, whichever comes first, if they are asymptomatic or present with moderate symptoms and have received at least a main round of vaccinations.
• All suspect, probable, and confirmed cases who are asymptomatic or present with minor symptoms, who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated, shall isolate for at least 10 days beginning on the date of sample collection or beginning of signs and symptoms, whichever comes first.
• Regardless of immunization history, all suspect, probable, and confirmed cases exhibiting mild symptoms must be kept in isolation for at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms.
• Regardless of vaccination status, all suspect, probable, and confirmed cases presenting with severe and critical symptoms must be isolated for at least 21 days from the beginning of signs and symptoms.
• Regardless of immunization history, all confirmed cases of symptomatic severe immunocompromised patients must remain isolated for at least 21 days from the start of signs and symptoms.

As a result of enrolling in the e-travel system, quarantine and isolation of international and Filipino visitors to the Philippines must conform to travel regulations.