THE DEPARTMENT of Health urged schools to maintain the use of face masks inside school premises as face-to-face classes will be fully implemented starting November 2.

“Ito na naman tayo, magkakaron na naman tayo ng pagbabago. Magkakaroon na naman tayo ng pagkumpol-kumpol ng mga bata sa schools. So, mas madali sigurong bantayan kung ano ang magiging epekto ng mga changes na ito kung isa-isa lang ang vina-vary natin,” Technical Advisory Group Pediatric Infectious Diseases Dr. Anna Ong-Lim said.

“Puwede namang magsuot pa rin sila ng mask habang tinitingnan natin or binabantayan natin kung dadami pa ang mga kaso dahil magsasama-sama na ang mga bata sa schools,” she added.

Ong-Lim stressed that there will be nothing to lose if the students will continue wearing face mask in schools.

The Department of Education has allowed the optional use of face masks outdoors.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco earlier said that President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. will issue an Executive Order making the use of face mask in closed areas voluntary.