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WHO exec to Pinoys without flu-like symptoms: No need to wear face masks


People who do not exhibit flu-like symptoms do not need to wear face masks in the Philippines, an official from the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday amid growing fears of contracting the novel coronavirus.

“Just a clarification because I’m looking around the room and many of you are wearing masks... Normal people going about their normal work don’t need to wear surgical masks or N95 masks,” WHO Country Representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe told reporters in a press conference in Manila.

“I’m just trying to reassure you that you don’t face such a high risk that you’ll need a mask as you come to a press conference given by the Secretary of Health,” he added in jest.

“If you are visiting somebody in a healthcare facility where there is a concentration of people with respiratory infections or you’re visiting a crowded place, a wet market, you may want to wear a mask,” Abeyasinghe said.

Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo backed this reminder and requested the public to be sensitive  in buying medical supplies—considering the limited stocks in the market.

“Not everybody needs N95 masks, N95 masks and gloves are only recommended for people who are taking care of sick people and who are in contact or those who are under investigation,” Domingo said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there are no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus yet in the Philippines.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that personal protective equipment such as goggles, headgear, gloves, and medical gowns will be provided to front-liners in the country’s medical facilities.

“They will have to be the first ones because they will be the one who will be giving care to those who are infected in case it does come in,” he said.

Virus transmission

Duque also said that there is no evidence yet to prove that the novel coronavirus can be passed on by a person even before the onset of its symptoms.

“There has been some talks of possibly spreading the virus by an individual who has not manifested any signs or symptoms... According to the WHO, up to this point there is no clear evidence to show that such my happen,” he said.

The incubation period of the virus is between 10 to 14 days, he added. — MDM, GMA News

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