MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) lambasted losing senatorial candidate Lorenzo Gadon as it reminded the public to wear face masks as protection against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that Gadon’s statement does not help as the public knows that people have been infected, many have died, the economy has suffered, and that healthcare workers are overwhelmed due to the virus.
Gadon was recently seen wearing a face shield with a face mask taped to it. In explaining his move, Gadon said that the government has “overreacted” to COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is not a joking matter,” Vergeire said. “Sana lahat ng tao naiintindihan nila kung ano po ang implikasyon kapag nagsasalita po sila sa public because people might be following them and this is not the right way to go. Magkakasakit po ang mga tao.”
“We seek the help of everybody in giving the accurate information to our general public,” she said. In the same way, she said the public should only listen to “accurate information.”
Vergeire also pointed out that, based on scientific studies, wearing a mask protects a person from being infected by 85%, and that wearing a mask and face shield and observing physical distancing prevent infection by 99%.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in a virtual press conference on Monday also dismissed the statements made by Gadon.
“Hindi naman siya doktor, let that be his personal opinion,” Roque said. “Ang mga dalubhasa, nagsasabi na ang pagsuot ng mask at shield ay magbababa ng chances of transmission ng 90%.”/PN
