In observance of the Holy Week, the Philippine News Agency’s online news service will be off on March 29, Good Friday, and March 30, Black Saturday. Normal operations will resume on March 31, Easter Sunday.

— The Editors

Covid TF cautions Dabawenyos amid voluntary use of face masks

By Che Palicte

September 16, 2022, 1:54 pm

<p>Dr. Michelle Schlosser, the spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force. <em>(PNA file photo)</em></p>

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, the spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force. (PNA file photo)

DAVAO CITY – Amid the declaration on the voluntary use of face masks outdoors, the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force cautioned Dabawenyos not to be complacent.

In a statement Friday, Dr. Michelle Schlosser, the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson, underscored the importance of further educating people about accountability with the recent release of President Ferdinand Marcos’s Executive Order No. 3 regarding the matter.

The President's Sept. 12 EO 3 allows the voluntary wearing of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation.

However, non-fully vaccinated individuals, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals are highly encouraged to wear their masks, and physical distancing must be observed at all times.

EO 3 made it clear that face masks must still be worn in indoor private or public establishments, including public transport by land, air, sea, and in an outdoor setting, where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

"With the voluntary wearing of face masks, we have a responsibility towards ourselves and each other. If the parameters are open and not controlled, please know what is risky or not," Schlosser said.

She assured the city’s safety and security cluster will continue to monitor face mask compliance indoors and in public and private establishments.

Schlosser reminded residents to be "extra careful since they have a higher risk of infecting their children," who are not yet eligible for vaccination, senior parents who belong to the vulnerable sector, or immunocompromised siblings and relatives at home.

She reiterated an earlier appeal to Dabawenyos to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as they can amid the more relaxed Covid-19 protocols. (PNA)

Comments