DOH's Vergeire warns against substandard face masks sold online

Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Wednesday warned the public against substandard face masks available online.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Vergeire said face masks should comply with the  standard of Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Trade and Industry.

“Meron ho tayong standard na ipinatutupad para sa locally produced na face mask o di kaya mga face mask na ibebenta na produced na na mga item,” she said.

“Kung sakali, meron hong nagkalat online, siguraduhing rehistrado,” she added.

Vergeire underscored that workers in the health care setting should have quality face masks because substandard ones may put their life in danger.

“Binibigyan natin ng emphasis ito especially those who are working in the health care setting kasi kapag nakabili kayo ng mga substandard na PPEs, face mask, maaaring ilagay nito ang buhay niyo sa panganib,” she added.

To reserve enough surgical and N95 masks for health care workers, Vergeire said they allow using cloth face masks for people who just need to go outside.

“Ang napansin lang natin, isusuot ang mask pero nakalabas ang ilong o kaya minsan nasa baba lang. ‘Yun lang ang pinapaalala natin sa ating kababayan na kailangan maayos ang pagsuot ng  mask,” she added.

Aside from wearing a face mask, Vergeire also reminded the public to do hand washing and observe social distancing to avoid catching the virus. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News