UP-PGH mandates face mask use amid rise in COVID-19 cases

The University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) on Wednesday began implementing the mandatory use of face masks inside the hospital amid increasing COVID-19 cases in the country. 

“If you are otherwise a healthy individual with no known illnesses and younger than 60 years, no need to test as long as no symptoms. If you are otherwise healthy and young, but develop symptoms such as cough, colds, sore throat, fever and other new symptoms, take the test (COVID antigen or COVID RT-PCR) immediately and report results accordingly,” noted UP-PGH said in its new guideline.

UP-PGH Hospital Infection Control Unit (HICU) also recommended the wearing of face masks even outside the hospital, especially where there is poor ventilation, crowding, or when the individual feels vulnerable or weak or remains unvaccinated against COVID-19.

This comes after the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reported an uptrend in COVID-19 cases as daily average cases hit 260 which is 36% higher than the previous week.

DOH data also showed that a total of 1,821 fresh COVID-19 cases were registered from Dec. 5 to 11, an increase from the 1,340 cases logged from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4. There were also 13 additional severe and critical cases logged from Dec. 5 to 11, the DOH said. 

“If you remain asymptomatic, you may opt to take the COVID test, preferably the RT PCR, after five days from last exposure,” added UP-PGH in its guideline.

UP-PGH also said that "as long as there is no symptoms of COVID-19, exposed individuals may continue their usual activities, but face mask is always necessary." 

However, individuals who will test positive for COVID-19 "should stay in isolation for at least 5 days." said the hospital guideline. —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News