Despite rise in flu cases, DOH sees no need to impose mask policy

National

THE Department of Health (DOH) is not imposing a mandatory face-mask policy despite a noted rise in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) across the country.

DOH Spokesperson Albert Domingo explained during a recent radio interview that the agency’s decision hinges on more than just case numbers.

“What we look at when we’re thinking of a mandate is the increase in severe hospitalization. We also see if the ICUs are congested, and we haven’t seen anything like that,” he said in an Inquirer.net report.

From Sept. 28 to Oct. 11, DOH recorded 6,457 ILI cases nationwide — which is in fact 39 percent lower than the 10,740 cases recorded between September 14 and 27. Based on this data, the DOH maintains there is no formal outbreak, and thus no trigger for stricter protocols like mandatory masking.

The Department of Health (DOH) also launch a campaign dubbed “Trangkaso Bye-Bye!” to encourage preventive measures such as hand-washing, staying at home when sick, proper cough etiquette and vaccination.

Health experts say the situation deserves cautious monitoring — especially going into the flu season. Hospitals or local governments may impose mask-requirements regionally if they detect surges with serious hospitalisations. For now, the national stance remains: masks recommended (especially indoors or for vulnerable persons) but not mandated.(Victoria Diana, USJ-R Comm Intern)