DUE to the prevalence of viral respiratory illness among young children, the City Health Office (CHO) is recommending that students and staff use face masks inside schools.
CHO Officer-in-Charge Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon released a letter with reference number CHO-2023-2518 on Wednesday, September 27, recommending all students and staff in academic institutions to wear face masks inside the school premises.
“Due to the significant current increase in the incidence of viral respiratory illness among young school children, the City Health Office is highly recommending the use of face masks by the students and personnel inside the school premises and non-admission of symptomatic students to class,” the letter said.
Ababon also stressed the importance of proper respiratory etiquette and handwashing as a means to lessen the proliferation of respiratory illnesses. He believes that through this initiative a safe and healthier environment will be achieved for the children.
Meanwhile, Davao City Schools Superintendent Reynante Solitario confirmed in an online interview that he had received the recommendation from the CHO.
He said he already disseminated a memo advising all school principals to adhere to the recommendation effective immediately.
During her privilege speech on Tuesday morning, September 26, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Davao City Second District Councilor Richlyn Justol-Baguilod said the city has been particularly “hard-hit” with the influenza-like illnesses with reported cases of 18,656. She reminded the public to always follow the minimum health protocol.
“The public must be reminded to diligently follow minimum protocol, which includes regular hand washing, thorough disinfecting, and the use of face masks in public places. This is especially crucial within educational institutions, where our youth gather,” Justol-Baguilod said.
Also, Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH-Davao) Assistant Regional Director Gerna M. Manatad said in a media interview on Wednesday, September 27, at the DOH office, that they are getting reports that there are some clustering of influenza-like illnesses.
She added that the hospitals in the region are prepared and will report immediately to the department if there are cases where there is an abnormal increase in the number of cases.
“Still, like Covid, if you are sick you need to be isolated para hindi ma-infect ang iba. Tapos yung handwashing pa rin and then i-increase natin yung ating resistance through a proper diet and exercise (Still, like Covid, if you are sick you need to be isolated so you cannot infect others. Then to always perform handwashing and increase the health resistance through a proper diet and exercise),” Manatad said. RGP