DOH reminds sick voters to wear masks

EVEN sans the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday urged sick voters, especially those with symptoms of respiratory ailments, to wear their face masks when casting their ballots for today’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Health Undersecretary Gloria Balboa said that while the use of face mask is no longer mandatory, “but if they have symptoms, especially respiratory in nature, it might be good to still wear masks.”

She said wearing masks is part of being responsible citizens.

“It’s not just protection for oneself but, especially for those who they will encounter in voting precincts when they go to vote,” said Balboa.

The country is set to have the barangay and youth polls today, the first electoral exercise on a national scale since the State of Public Health Emergency due to COVID-19 was lifted last July. – Gerard Naval