DOH-9 still recommends continuous use of face mask

By Omar O. Jaljalis

ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH)-9 continuously reminds the public to still use face mask and practice the minimum public health standards.

As other cities and local government units are practicing the voluntary used of face mask, DOH 9 still encourages the residents to maintain using the face mask as this is proven to protect us from COVID-19.

“We are still waiting for the official guidelines from the central and Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) if we will be implementing this in the region. As of now, we will still continue to implement the use of face mask both for outdoor and enclosed areas,” Dr. Punzalan added. 

DOH-9 reported that active COVID-19 cases now at forty-eight (48), as per the regional case bulletin dated June 24.

“We are seeing minimal cases in past few weeks, Zamboanga Del Norte and Zamboanga City now has low cases while in Zamboanga Del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Isabela are classified as minimal new normal. Our Average Daily attack Rate (ADAR) is 0.12 and is lesser compared last year,” DOH 9 Medical Officer Dr. Mary Germeyn D. Punzalan said.

More recoveries were also recorded with 57,780, mortality rate maintained at 2,546 and DOH emphasized that this will not be possible without the support of the general public, in terms of following the public health protocols in order to contain the spread of coronavirus disease.

“We are continuously in collaboration with other government agencies especially in the implementation of the new BIDA solution,” Dr. Punzalan said.

DOH would like to emphasize following the BIDA campaign in monitoring establishments and institutions; use best fitted mask,  isolate if you have symptoms, double-up our protection with primary and booster doses and maintain airflow in work and schools. (RVC/EDT/MLE/OOJ/PIA9-Zamboanga City)