DOH: No need to reimpose mask mandate

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases have recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that there is no need to reimpose mandatory mask rules despite rising COVID-19 cases.

According to DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, the current increase in cases does not indicate more severe or critical outcomes compared to previous surges.

Vergeire emphasized that Filipinos should adapt their risk tolerance and shift their mindset rather than returning to strict pandemic measures.