Bong Go urges improved COVID-19 vaccination amid plan to make face-masking indoors optional

Senator Bong Go on Tuesday urged the government to ramp up its vaccination efforts amid plans to lift the mandatory use face masks in indoor public spaces as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Go made the statement hours after Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco announced that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is set to issue an executive order making face masks in indoor areas voluntary.

"I reiterate my appeal to the Executive to strengthen further our vaccination efforts, particularly our booster rate which remains as one of the lowest in Southeast Asia,” Go said.

“Given the continuing threats of fast evolving variants of the virus, the vaccine remains our only tool to fully overcome this pandemic," he added.

While he made the call, Go welcomed the plan to make the use of face masks in indoor areas optional and other measures "geared towards renormalizing our life amid the pandemic" provided that clear and specific guidelines are set to ensure the safety of the public.

"As we await the specific orders and guidelines to be released by the President and DOH, we urge everyone to remain vigilant and compliant with existing health protocols. More than anything else, our discipline and cooperation are key to our return to normalcy," Go said.

Senator Grace Poe also expressed support for the government's goal to revitalize the economy "to get off the slump from the pandemic's slashing."

"Loosening the mask mandate and regulations on the entry of tourists will help generate economic activities, foremost among them is providing jobs to our people," Poe said.

While she mentioned the World Health Organization's statement that the end of the pandemic is in sight, Poe said COVID-19.

The lawmaker then urged the public to continue observing minimum health protocols and maintain good hygiene.

"We must build on the gains of the past in the fight against COVID-19 until we cross the finish line in this health crisis," Poe said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said he agreed with the voluntary use of face masks in indoor areas, reiterating that "it's time to learn to live with the virus." —NB, GMA News