Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion supports lifting the mandatory wearing of face masks in outdoor spaces.
Concepcion, the former Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, stressed on Sunday, September 11, that easing the policy on face masks will help in the recovery of the tourism sector.
He explained that continuing to mandate the use of face masks in outdoor spaces will only show that the Philippines remains 'in a very bad state', and dissuade foreigners from travelling to the country.
Concepcion mentioned that Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and some European countries have already eased their policy on the wearing of face masks.
"Nagco-compete tayo sa mga turista. Kung sa mga videos, social media, makikita nila na lahat ng tao sa beaches ng Pilipinas ay sumusuot ng face masks parang, mas, baka matakot sila na pumunta dito," Concepcion told DZRH's Huntahan.
Concepcion said that the government needs to help in the recovery of the tourism sector, which contributes to the gross domestic product and the foreign exchange reserves of the Philippines.
"Ang daming maliit na negosyante dito na are part of the tourism sector. Dapat tulungan natin yung tourism sector. We have to project that the outdoor is safe in our country," Concepcion said.
"Pupunta ka sa El Nido, sa Boracay, sa Siargao and everybody is wearing a face mask there, paano naman iyan? Mukhang hospital," he added.
Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire, officer-in-charge of the Department of Health, said on Wednesday, September 7, that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases recomended that the wearing of face masks become optional for low-risk individuals, and in uncrowded areas with proper air ventilation.
Several local government units, including those of Cebu City, Ilocos Norte, and Negros Occidental, have decided to ease their policy on the wearing of face masks.
