Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 16)-After the Governor of Cebu asked drivers of public utility vehicles to use necklace-type air purifiers, the Ministry of Health said on Monday that necklace-type air purifiers cannot withstand COVID-19 , And may be more harmful.

The Deputy Minister of Health Maria Rosario Vergeire stated that the use of a necklace-type air purifier "may lead to complacency or false safety."

"The Sangayon hindi natin nirerekomenda'yang mga necklace air purifier, in the sinasabi na ng ebidensya of mga eksperto, it will not provide you with protection...Sana hindi na lang natin ito gamitin," she said at the press conference.

[Translation: At present, we do not recommend the use of a necklace air purifier. The evidence and experts say that it will not provide you with protection... I hope we will not use it. 】

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia asked PUV drivers to use necklace air purifiers as a measure to curb the further spread of COVID-19 in the province. Monday was the first day of implementation, but some drivers were unable to comply with the new requirements due to insufficient supply.

Because many drivers were afraid of being arrested, they cancelled the trip. They are required to comply by August 25, otherwise they will be punished for not wearing an air purifier during the trip.

PUV operators are responsible for purchasing gadgets for their drivers and conductors. Some PUV operators provide soft loans to their drivers, while others simply provide air purifiers for free.

One driver said that he bought the cheapest P600 air purifier, while another said that he spent P2,000 to meet the requirements.

Most drivers stated that they understand the purpose of wearing an air purifier as a measure against COVID-19, but when asked if they think it is effective, they just smiled.

Cebu reporter Dale Israel contributed to this report.

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