WEARING face masks all the time is unnecessary especially if you are not sick, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) in Northern Mindanao said.
Dr. Ian Gonzales, DOH-Northern Mindanao Infectious Diseases Cluster head, said wearing masks is only needed for people who are exhibiting symptoms such as cough and colds. This is to avoid infecting others from your flu.
"If you're not sick, wearing masks is really not necessary. We advise wearing face masks kung kita naay symptoms, para dili ta makatakod ug lain," Gonzales said.
"But for the general population, there is really no need to wear masks. If you are sick, yes you can wear masks," he added.
Gonzales said surgical masks are enough to use when you have the common flu, adding that there is no need to buy the n95 masks.
The health department, meanwhile, advised the public to give serious and careful thought before buying face masks especially since demand is still high due to the Taal Volcano eruption.