In Cebu, the mask requirement in open and well-ventilated spaces has already been lifted. While the number of active Covid-19 cases remains low, are Filipinos really ready to take their masks off?

After two long years of having to wear a mask everywhere we go, it is indeed a dream to walk around without having to wear one. Wearing a mask can make breathing seem difficult and make one feel confined. The mask can also irritate the skin and its ear loops hurt the ears. We can just imagine the comfort of not having to wear a mask, especially since we live in a tropical, humid country. Without a doubt, it would be a sigh of relief and a breath of fresh air.

With the loosening of safety protocols, we have the privilege of taking our masks off in certain circumstances such as eating outdoors and engaging in sports activities in well-ventilated areas. It’s like we’re given a glimpse of what it feels like to freely breathe outside the comfort of our homes.

However, given the daily circumstances in public spaces, particularly in our public transportation systems where commuters have no choice but to squeeze themselves in, I don’t think we are now ready to completely let go of our masks. 

Just like what the elderly would always tell us, there is no harm in being extra careful. We all know that these masks, along with proper hygiene and other safety guidelines, have protected us from catching and spreading the virus. With the looming threat of other infectious and respiratory diseases including Monkeypox, it would be better to keep wearing these masks. 

Besides, I think that wearing a mask and bringing a bottle of alcohol wherever we go have already been embedded in our daily routines—and who wants a routine to be changed in an instant?

Although not now, I still believe that time will come when we will no longer have to tolerate wearing multiple layers of polymeric materials in this heat. Until then, let us continue to protect ourselves.

Photo Credit: Canva Official Website

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of POLITICO.PH.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jeffah Ramiento is a graduating Communication Arts major with a minor in Philippine Media Studies at De La Salle University. She has a passion for writing and an experience as the Editor-in-Chief of her high school publication in 2018. She currently works as a writer intern at POLITICO.PH.