Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said family members should wear face masks inside their homes, especially if if physical distancing inside the home cannot be practiced.
“Isipin natin ngayon ang transmission ngayon ay buong pamilya na, pami-pamilya… rich or poor talagang buong pamilya,” Año said in an interview with GMA News on August 10.
[Let us be aware that at present the transmission involves every family. Rich or poor, it’s the whole family.]
“Ang pinaka-importante dyan, kung talagang hindi nila maiiwasan, talagang magsuot sila ng mask. Advisable din ‘yung face shield dyan,” said Año.
[The most important thing about that is, if you really can’t avoid it, they really have to wear a mask. Wearing a face shield is also advisable.]
Netizens challenged the recommendation’s soundness.
Secretary Año anong kabobohan to bakit pati sa loob ng bahay mag face shield ?
Pwede ba time out muna sa katangahan ?
— Lets do Mañanita (@EggTarTisYummy) August 10, 2020
Ano should be forced to live in a Baseco or Payatas or Tatalon shanty just so he learns to appreciate reality. He should be stripped of staff drivers and cars, &be forced to live w at least four other IATF members on a 5,000 peso allowance for three months — for entire group.
— inday espina varona (@indayevarona) August 10, 2020
Need natin ng Department of Common Sense and Logic potek apply tayong maging baka sa New Zealand mas safe pa ? https://t.co/Nxycz91yyL
— John Clifford Sibayan (@JCSibayan23) August 10, 2020
Kung masikip at mahirap ang magsocial distancing sa loob ng bahay, "Wear mask at home!".
Ang talino talaga nito.. https://t.co/hs1iRPlKmv
— Patnubay-Online (@PatnubayOnline) August 10, 2020
Former Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) adviser Dr. Tony Leachon agreed with Año.
I agree with Sec. Ed Ano. Current Data would show that covid cases are prevalent in clusters in workplaces and in households. There’s nothing wrong with being extra careful. We just need to provide FREE face masks to the poor. https://t.co/sAnhxigQr5
— Tony Leachon MD (@DrTonyLeachon) August 10, 2020
Earlier, the public, especially motorcycle riders, also questioned the DILG’s order for motorcycle riders to put a barrier between themselves, following approved government prototypes. Motorcycle riders were allowed to ride with their spouse or partner under general community quarantine.
Sec. Ano, what an absurd idea…a couple who stays in one house, sharing a bed…kailangan ng barrier shield kapag magkaangkas? Saan ang logic? Strictly implement having helmets and face masks instead.
— ako_si_thess (@ako_si_thess) August 7, 2020
Today is the seventh day of the re-imposed lockdown or modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila after health workers requested a “time out” due to the rise in cases and congestion in Metro Manila hospitals. The classification would expire on August 18 and President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to announce new guidelines.
Also on August 10, the Department of Health reported a new record high number of COVID-19 cases in a day with 6,958 cases.
