Lifting of mandatory face mask in public transportation draws mixed reactions

CNN Philippines

Some commuters are not yet ready to let go of wearing f face masks in public transportation. That's after the Transportation department lifted the mandatory use of masks.   Tristan Nodalo has the details.  Visit our website for more #NewsYouCanTrust: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/  Follow our social media pages:  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNNPhilippines • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnnphilippines/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines

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00:00 Many passengers of the MRT 3 are not keen on removing their face masks just yet.

00:05 Two days since the decision of the transportation department that the use of face mask is no longer required.

00:11 Among them is Harleen who was traveling with her kids using the train.

00:15 Many people are riding the train to avoid the risk of getting sick or anything.

00:23 But for Arnel, another MRT passenger, the lifting of mask mandate gives a sense of comfort.

00:28 It's okay if there's no face mask because you can breathe freely.

00:33 If there's a face mask, it's okay. There's no problem.

00:37 For passengers who often use jeepneys like Mia, they say that they are not yet confident in a mask-less journey.

00:43 It's really important that there's still a face mask since there are still cases of COVID.

00:49 At Naia Terminal 1, it's noticeable that most passengers opt not to use face masks.

00:54 It's okay because I'm from Riyadh. We don't wear masks there anymore.

00:59 It's okay. It's back to normal. People can move around properly.

01:04 The Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia will also no longer require the use of masks.

01:09 But the airlines assure the public that they have safety and disinfection procedures in place.

01:14 For infectious diseases expert Dr. Ronjin Solante, certain individuals should be urged or encouraged to continue wearing masks.

01:22 One, elderly population. Second, those who are pregnant. Third, those who are immunocompromised.

01:29 And then those with comorbidities and particularly those who are symptomatic.

01:34 So these are the people that should still and we still encourage them to wear the face mask.

01:40 A public health advocate, on the other hand, says that using masks offers another layer of protection, not just from COVID-19.

01:47 It's important because it's rare for people to get flu, it's rare for people to get pneumonia.

01:56 If there are any, it's the vulnerable. Tuberculosis can also be prevented.

02:01 So I think the halo effect of wearing a face mask will not only be unique to COVID but other respiratory viruses and bacteria.

02:14 Health experts remind the public to continue observing minimum health standards and get vaccinated for added protection.

02:21 Tristan Udalo, CNN Philippines.

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