DTI to produce 30 million washable face masks for typhoon victims

The Department of Trade and Industry on Thursday said it will produce 30 million washable face masks for typhoon victims as part of their protection amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Mariz Umali’s report on “24 Oras,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the department has started the distribution of face masks with the help of the Office of Civil Defense.

“The other day nagpunta kami sa Marikina, apat na evacuation centers ‘yon. Nagdala kami ng mga face masks doon kasi nga alam natin na kung anuman ang mayroon sila, mga nabasa na ‘yon,” Lopez said.

Lopez said the DTI already distributed over 1.5 billion face masks nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health said it is continuously monitoring the situation in various evacuation centers to ensure that minimum health protocols are observed amid the health crisis.

Evacuees with symptoms are also required to undergo antigen testing to prevent the further spread of the disease.

“Ang pinakamabisa na gamit ng antigen test is for those with symptoms dahil ang antigen test makakapag-detect lang ng positibong pasyente at totoong negatibo base sa viral load ng isang pasyente,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News