Face mask should stay under 'Alert Level 0' –expert

The wearing of face mask should remain under "Alert Level 0," the new alert level status being studied by the government amid the improving COVID-19 situation in the country, an infectious disease expert said Friday.

During the day's Laging Handa briefing, Dr. Rontgene Solante said the country is now ready for the possibility of Alert Level 0 status amid the decreasing number of COVID-19 infections and lower healthcare utilization rate.

"But siguro [perhaps] we still have to maintain yung pagsusuot ng [the wearing of] face mask even if we will be on Alert Level 0 because I think that is more important part of the protection even if yung other limitations will be lifted,” he said.

Solante said health protocols, including the wearing of face masks and frequent handwashing, are important factors under Alert Level 0, adding that there is still transmission of the Omicron variant in the community.

He also said the 90% vaccination rate must be achieved before Alert Level 0 is declared.

"Ang isa sa mga importanteng factors dito kung sana maabot natin ang 90% vaccination rate ng population natin, in itself medyo mataas-taas na ang rate natin so hindi na tayo matatakot sa mga spikes o surge of the COVID-19," Solante said.

(One of the important factors here is that we should reach the 90% vaccination rate so we will not be afraid of possible spikes or surge of COVID-19 cases.)

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Thursday the government is now studying the possibility of further easing the country's COVID-19 status  to Alert Level 0, with several areas, including the National Capital Region, now Alert Level 1.

Duque said the country has recorded less than a thousand cases daily for six consecutive days even if the NCR and 38 more areas nationwide are under Alert Level 1.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities.

All establishments, persons, or activities, meanwhile, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards. —KBK, GMA News