DOH: Early to link mask rules to COVID-19 rise

The Department of Health (DOH) says it is too early to link the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila to the relaxed face mask policy.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire stated that it would take one to two weeks for the department to analyze the impact of optional masking outdoors.

Vergeire added that increased mobility since the start of face-to-face classes could be a factor, noting that other regions have not seen similar case increases.