Optional facemask

Governor Gwen Garcia was right when she said she took the whole country by whirlwind with her groundbreaking executive order. EO 16 specified that face masks will not be optional to wear in outdoor and well-ventilated places. It is, however, required in indoor and air-conditioned places. Those who have symptoms of COVID, will still need to wear masks especially when going out.

With good reading comprehension and analytics skills, one would understand that there is no violation of any health protocol in what Garcia wants. She is rationalizing it, giving the citizens free will when they feel comfortable to wear their mask. If they think it is not yet safe for them regardless of vaccination status, then they are free to wear it. Those who are already experiencing fatigue from everyday face covering, then they may do so at their own risk.

But when you come to think of it, there is little to no risk at all in well-ventilated spaces. I would love to breathe in fresh air in the mountains and the sea rather than to cover it up with a mask. When the pandemic started in February 2020, the masks were also optional. During my last (and only, so far) international trip to Singapore I observed they followed the same rationale as Garcia's EO. In open spaces where there is no one around me, I remove my mask. But when it gets too crowded, especially when in public transportation, I mask up. It is just that simple.

The daily cost of also having to buy a mask is taxing. If you want a fancy mask that will cost more than the ordinary ones. This is not to downplay the science of the mask. What this means is that we have reached a certain level of understanding the virus. Therefore, we will be responsible and will be held accountable for our actions. If getting vaccinations is optional, then the wearing of face masks by now should be too.

It is also true that it is a norm these days. In my recent travels to some of the islands in the province, the masks only served as a protection at the port. Once the passengers get off the ferry and wander into a wide open space, the masks are removed. What is not backed by science is the allegation of an increase in cases because of this new order. If there is a possibility of a surge because of this, it would have happened after the election.

We don't always meet eye-to-eye with some of our leaders but this governor always strikes a point. Maybe the experts will see through her intention and follow suit. It’s a pity that the PNP is treated like dodgeballs, thrown back and forth. If they are critical enough to understand the situation, then no apprehensions will take place. Nobody wants to end up in detention for inhaling fresh air. That is such a shame.