PBBM OKs voluntary use of face masks indoors
The wearing of face masks indoors has now been made voluntary through an executive order (EO) signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) on Friday.
Except for healthcare facilities, medical transport, and public transportation by land, air, or sea, wearing a face mask is optional in both indoor and outdoor contexts under EO 7.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has advocated relaxing the face mask requirement in Resolution 3. (s. 2022).
According to the EO, mask use is still recommended for the elderly, people with comorbid conditions, people who are immunocompromised, women who are pregnant, people who are not yet immunized, and people who are exhibiting symptoms.
“A policy of voluntary wearing of face masks in both indoor and outdoor settings is a positive step towards normalization, and a welcome development that would encourage activities and boost efforts toward the full reopening of the economy,” Marcos said.
The minimum public health requirements will still be scrupulously upheld.
The MPHS recommendations must be updated, according to the EO from the Department of Health.
While this was going on, Marcos urged the provinces, highly urbanized cities, independent component cities, and municipalities with low-risk classifications but Alert Level 2 status to make steps to increase their vaccine and booster coverage in order to fulfill vaccination targets.
In September, Marcos issued Executive Order 3, which permits the voluntary use of face masks outside, particularly in wide-open spaces and unpopulated, well-ventilated regions.
