After study finds most Pinoys wear masks, DOH says its goal is 100% compliance

After a London-based group found that most Filipinos observe health protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said its goal is still to achieve 100-percent compliance from the public.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire made the statement following a study that found 91 percent of Filipinos wear masks when they go out and 83 percent regularly wash their hands with soap and water. 

The same study also found that only 50 percent of Filipinos could avoid leaving their homes to work and only 58 percent have the luxury to always avoid using public transit.

“Tunay nga po, ang ating mga communication efforts ay tinutugma natin sa nakikita nating pangangailangan ng ating publiko,” Vergeire said in a briefing.

“Habang masaya po tayong makita na naging epektibo ang walang sawa nating pagpapaalala sa ating publiko sa mga preventive behaviors, ang goal po natin ay sumunod ang lahat ng Pilipino. Nananatili pong 100 percent compliance ang gusto natin,” she added.

Government officials have been blaming the spread of the disease on the supposed lack of discipline among the Filipino public, calling them "pasaway" while defending the government's handling of the pandemic. 

Interior Undersecretary Martin Diño earlier suggested "shaming" people who become sick with COVID-19, then later said that he meant “pasaway” Filipinos who do not wear masks and observe other health protocols. 

The Philippines has logged 68,898 COVID-19 cases with 23,072 recoveries and 1,835 deaths as of Monday afternoon.  — BM, GMA News