The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reiterated the mask mandate would remain and local government units (LGUs) should follow the uniform health protocol against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a Laging Handa briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the wearing of face masks is one of the most effective ways to stop coronavirus transmission.

Citing studies, Vergeire noted that other countries that have lifted their mask policies have eventually experienced a spike in their cases.

“Gusto nating pigilan muna ang ganitong pangyayari sa ating lugar. Gusto natin na makita na stable tayo at manageable ang cases natin (We want to stop this from happening in the Philippines. We want our cases to be manageable first),” she said.

“(Ang) pagsusuot ng face mask ay kailangang kailangan pa rin natin. Alam natin na mayroon nang mga subvariants na pumasok sa bansa. Alam din natin na hindi pa ganoon kataas ang antas ng pagbabakuna sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa (The wearing of face masks is still recommended. We know that subvariants have already entered the country and the vaccination rate in other parts of the country is not yet that high).”

The reiteration came after Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia issued an executive order making the wearing of masks optional in open spaces and well-ventilated areas in the province. (PNA)