Dr. Michelle Schlosser, the spokesperson of COVID-19 Task Force made this clarification following Executive Order (EO) No. 7 of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor spaces.
Schlosser said Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte has approved the adoption of the provisions and guidelines of EO 7 in the city.
EO 7 provides that voluntary wearing of face masks is exempted in healthcare facilities, including, but not limited to clinics, hospitals, laboratories, nursing homes, and dialysis clinics; medical transport vehicles (ambulance, paramedic rescue vehicles); and public transportation (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 over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).
EO 7 also provides that mask-wearing is encouraged for the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, unvaccinated individuals, and symptomatic individuals.
Schlosser said that with the more relaxed minimum public health standards (MPHS), there's a great chance or risk of contracting the COVID-19 infection particularly the senior citizens, our data on death among them is imminent,” she said.
This is the reason why she encouraged these sectors to get their anti-COVID-19 primary two-dose series and booster shots.
Schlosser, however, admitted that although the vaccine does not promise immunity from COVID-19, it reduces the risk of contracting severe and critical symptoms that may lead to death.
Schlosser added that with the lenient MPHS and full face-to-face classes, it is wise for Davaoeños to get their anti-COVID-19 vaccines and boosters as an added layer of protection against the severity of the disease.
Schlosser also reminded all private establishments that the city’s EO 11, Series of 2022 is still in effect, which encourages them to implement their health protocols to best serve their employees and clients.