(UPDATED) Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reminded Dabawenyos to properly observe the wearing of face masks in public areas after observing that some are improperly wearing them.
Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday, June 24, in a radio interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio, said that while going around the city, she saw some people wearing their masks but it was only covering their chins, leaving the mouths and noses exposed, which can get them infected with the Sars-CoV-2.
According to the World Health Organization, the virus is primarily transmitted between people through respiratory droplets when one sneezes or coughs.
"Kon moagi ko, ila dayon i-cover ilang baba ug ilong og mask. Mura ba'g ako ang virus (They will only cover their mouth and nose with their face masks when they notice me passing by as if I am the virus)," Duterte-Carpio said.
"Dili ako ang virus. Di mo manabon sa inyong baba ug ilong kung makit-an ninyo nga nanan-aw ko ninyo. Tabuna na siya all the time (I am not the virus. You do not only cover your mouth and nose every time you see me, but it must also be covered when in public places)," Duterte-Carpio added.
She also observed that neighbors who are having a conversation are not wearing face masks too.
"Kung manilingan ‘ta or magtsismis ta, mag-face mask gihapon ta kay kaning mga gate (sa balay) dili makapugong og virus. Dili ta magkampante sa atong mga silingan (when you are having conversations with someone, you still have to wear a mask. Let us not be complacent)," Duterte-Carpio said.
With more people allowed to go out during the general community quarantine (GCQ), the mayor had been reminding Dabawenyos to always wear their face masks outside their homes.
The mayor, as advised by the city's medical consultants, also urged the public to wear appropriate face masks.
She said surgical masks, face shields, and other medical masks are the "best" protection from the virus. But due to its limited supply, people have opted to use cotton-type and reusable face masks, which still makes the person prone to catching the Sars-CoV-2, the virus causing the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
She suggested adding filters, either a thick cloth or tissue inside.
Aside from the wearing of masks, Duterte-Carpio said Dabawenyos should practice physical distancing and regular hand washing using soap and water.
Also, the mayor encouraged the public to bring pocket alcohol whenever they leave their homes; disinfect frequently touched surfaces; take a shower as soon as arriving home.
The mayor also reminded the public that the city is still under community quarantine and some rules on the movement of people are still in effect.