By: Romeo Braceros Jr.

The public has been reminded by the Davao City COVID-19 Task Force that wearing a face mask is still required in the city's public transit system and healthcare facilities.

The COVID-19 Task Force spokesman, Dr. Michelle Schlosser, provided this clarification in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order (EO) No. 7, which permitted the voluntary use of face masks in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Schlosser claimed that Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte approved the city to follow EO 7's rules and regulations.

Medical facilities, such as clinics, hospitals, labs, nursing homes, and dialysis centers, as well as medical transport vehicles (ambulances, paramedic rescue vehicles), as well as public transportation, are excluded from the optional wearing of face masks under EO 7. (land, air, and sea).

"We do encourage a sense of responsibility and accountability to yourself, to others, and the community. It boils down to your decision-making. If you know that activities or events will be high-risk for you, or you think it's high risk for COVID-19 infection or transmission for yourself and others, wear your face mask. Be accountable for your health and others,” Schlosser said in an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio.

Additionally, EO 7 states that wearing a mask is recommended for the elderly, those with comorbid conditions, people who are immunocompromised, women who are pregnant, people who are not yet immunized, and people who are exhibiting symptoms.

According to Schlosser, there is a significant chance or risk of catching the COVID-19 infection due to the less stringent minimum public health standards (MPHS). 

This is especially true for seniors since their findings indicate that death is impending among them.

She advised these groups to have their primary two-dose anti-COVID-19 series and booster shots.

Schlosser did acknowledge that although the vaccine does not guarantee immunity from COVID-19, it lowers the likelihood of developing severe and life-threatening symptoms.

Schlosser said that Davaoenos should acquire their anti-COVID-19 vaccines and boosters as an additional layer of defense against the severity of the disease, given the lax MPHS and full face-to-face training.

Schlosser also emphasized that the city's EO 11, Series of 2022, which encourages private businesses to develop their health policies to best serve their consumers and staff, is still in force.