As shown in many studies, face masks are 85 percent effective in preventing Covid-19 transmission. This infection protection beats most vaccines, though unlike jabs, masks do not protect against severe illness if one gets Covid. The reason is simple and clear: only now in a long, long time are two fearsomely armed superpowers face to face in Asia. In anticipation of US force deployment in the Philippines, China built bases on reclaimed islands in the South China Sea, which have been even more militarized as the confrontation with America has intensified. But the Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia that might realistically host such assets.

Source: Manila Times June 08, 2022 16:18 UTC