Top pulmonologist thinks complete discarding mask mandate is not a wise move
Top pulmonologist Dr. Bryan Cepedoza thinks that completely removing the mask mandate at this time is not a wise move.
He said this during an interview over Open Forum on Sept. 12, 2022, hosted by Dave Albarado.
He said that this is not the time to completely remove the mask mandate as there are still
vulnerable persons who may catch Coronavirus disease (Covid) if people will no longer wear the mask.
His statement came following the release of Executive Order No. 3 of President Marcos Jr.
where mask wearing is now voluntary when a person is going outdoors.
However, mask wearing remains mandatory when a person is indoors, inside public transport,
or in. areas where physical distancing is not possible.
“Murag dili pa angayan nga tangtangon ang face mask kay naa pa gihapon tay mga vulnerable
nga population nga wala pa magpabakuna ug ikaduha mao pay pagsugod sa atong face-to-face class,” the doctor said.
Cepedoza said that the young students may be the least affected when it comes to Covid infection
but they can be carriers of the virus and could infect senior citizens or persons with comorbidity.
If the mask mandate is removed, there is a high chance the young people who may not show
symptoms of Covid but may end up infecting those who are vulnerable.
“Ang problema ani ug madala sa mga bata ang kagaw sa balay ug makatakod sa atong mga
vulnerable population,” he explained.
He suggested to gradually (and not immediately) relax the mask mandate especially that the country has yet to achieve
herd immunity.
The perfect time to completely remove the mask mandate is when the country reaches herd
immunity and the Covid cases are no longer a concern especially among the vulnerable population.