The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reiterated that there is no unusual or new virus or strain circulating amid the spread of influenza-like illnesses (ILI), prompting the provincial government of Quezon to order the mandatory wearing of face masks both in indoor settings and outdoor areas.
When asked if they will recommend the same in Metro Manila, Health Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo responded that the local government units (LGUs) are empowered by Republic Act No.11332 to determine public health measures appropriate for their respective settings.
He said that their recommendations will always be based on ‘data and evidence.’
‘Our advice remains the same: it is the flu season, and to help prevent spread, it is good public health practice to keep hands clean, wear face masks when with symptoms or to protect yourself, be vaccinated, cover coughs, eat healthy diets, exercise, avoid smoking/vaping and drinking, and have adequate rest,’ the DOH official said.
The DOH reported that there were 6,457 additional cases of ILI recorded from September 28 to October 11, 2025.
According to the DOH, the cases recorded is lower by 39 percent as compared to the 10,740 recorded on September 14 to September 27, 2025.
Earlier, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa clarified that there is no flu outbreak but a seasonal respiratory illnesses and that there is no need for a lockdown.
The top three causes of ILIs are Influenza A, Rhinovirus, and Enterovirus. SARS-CoV-2 (which causes Covid-19) is at a low rank number 10, accounting for only 1 percent of cases positive for ILI, the DOH said.