The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday urged the public anew to wear face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the absence of a vaccine to fight it.

In his speech at the ceremonial distribution of face masks to Antipolo City residents, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said wearing face mask saves lives and such practice is a shared responsibility in the community.

“Proper wearing of (face) mask reduces the spread of the virus by 85 percent. So, the DOH is here to help, to provide washable masks especially to the poor,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Apart from the washable masks, the DOH also donated test kits, hygiene kits, and BIDA solution campaign materials which remind the public to wear face masks, wash hands, observe physical distancing and know Covid-19 facts.

Duque, together with the Covid-19 Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic or CODE team, also encouraged the local government units to produce reusable masks which can provide a livelihood to cooperatives and small businesses in communities.

The CODE team includes Duque, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, and Covid testing czar Vince Dizon, among others. (PNA)