Mask Up BulSUans!

 By: Kristian Sandig

GUINHAWA, MALOLOS — Face Masks are more important than ever during this flu season at Bulacan State University (BulSU) as the university continues to mandate everyone to wear face masks upon entering the campus in line with the increasing cases of flu-like symptoms and illnesses within and outside the university.

In light of the increasing instances of COVID-19 and infectious illnesses across the country, Bulacan State University's Office of Student Affairs issued a memorandum on November 27, mandating the use of face masks within the university premises. The measure outlined in Memorandum No. 2023-1108 is regarded as a precautionary step in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Health.

Concerns were also raised about the potential for an increase in illnesses within BulSU amid the ongoing rise in COVID-19 cases that affected even the president of the country Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The university's main infirmary reported a noticeable surge in cases during this flu season from July to December. On average, they attend to about 20 cases a day, mostly presenting common symptoms such as cough, congestion, and cold. However, the exact number may be higher, as not all cases are reported to the infirmary.

Vince Cruz, a medical professional at the infirmary, noted the variability in prescriptions based on individual symptoms, with common medications including decongestants and mucolytics for those with a cough.

When asked about the recent phenomenon of “Walking Pneumonia”, Vince confirmed the similarity between walking pneumonia and COVID-19, both being transmissible through airborne means and secretions, “Yes, parang same lang ng COVID. Transmissible or infectious through airborne and also secretions natin. Kaya importanteng nagpalabas ng memo ang BulSU na mag-mask para doon sa meron, hindi sila makahawa. Yung mga wala hindi mahawa.”

He also recommended to continue wearing face masks, practice social distancing, and maintain proper hygiene.

An online survey conducted by third-year Journalism students delved into the perspective on the pandemic and wearing of face masks of the BulSU community. While most students wear face masks when going out in public, only a few consistently wear them inside the university. The primary reason cited for this inconsistency is physical discomfort due to the hot and humid climate.

One BulSU student highlighted the broader utility of face masks, stating, "It's not just for COVID; it can also be used in other cases like flu, etc., since the face mask can reduce viruses directly clinging to our nose or mouth."

In a recent interview, an architecture student stated her willingness to adhere to protocols, especially with the prevalence of illnesses, “For me, dapat talaga mag-face mask. Nakaraan, nagkasakit ako noon kaya kailangan talaga mag-face mask. Kailangan talaga na-i-protokol din kasi maraming nagkakasakit na tao.”

Another student from the College of Arts and Letters expressed concerns about the timing of the announcement, stating that the memo came too late, as some of her friends had already fallen ill.

As BulSUans face the last month of the flu season, they share a collective responsibility in safeguarding the community’s well-being, so it’s crucial for all of us to “mask up” and protect everyone outside and within the campus.