MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines must retain the mask mandate should the government decide to lower the country to “Alert Level 0,” an infectious diseases specialist said Friday.
Health chief Francisco Duque III earlier said authorities and experts were studying a possible Alert Level 0 as COVID-19 cases continue to drop.
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“At this point, [based] on the metrics na nakikita natin ngayon, especially sa pagbaba ng mga kaso at healthcare utilization, if ever we will downgrade to Alert Level 0, mukhang ready na tayo,” Rontgene Solante, head of adult infectious diseases unit in San Lazaro Hospital, told state broadcaster People’s Television.
(At this point, based on the current metrics, especially the decline in cases and healthcare utilization, if ever we will downgrade to Alert Level 0, it looks like we’re ready.)
“We still have to maintain the wearing of face masks even in Alert Level 0. I think that’s the more important part of protection even if limitations will be lifted,” he added.
Solante also stressed that proper hand hygiene should still be observed and at least 90% of the country’s population should be immunized against COVID-19 to avoid surges in infections.
Metro Manila and 39 other areas are under Alert Level 1 until March 15. Duque said these areas are doing “so far, so good” even as most pandemic restrictions are scrapped.
The Philippines has been progressively easing entry rules and pandemic restrictions after a sharp drop in COVID-19 cases.
Health authorities have confirmed more than 3.6 million COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, with over 57,000 deaths.