Wearing masks outdoors now optional in Iloilo Province

The use of face masks when outside is currently an optional practice in the province of Iloilo.

Executive Order 260-G, which Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. issued on September 7, mandates the optional mask wear and extends the province’s Alert Level 1 status until September 15.

In a news conference on Friday, Defensor claimed that the national government had previously released a statement regarding the voluntary use of face masks in public settings through the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Additionally, he noted the low rates of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), hospital utilization, and immunization success as justifications for permitting the voluntary use of face masks.

“Vaccination is very important. That is the reason why we are aggressive with our vaccination and booster so we can open up already, we can change our behavioral adjustment. That is why it is optional,” Defensor said.

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office’s data revealed that from August 29 to September 4, the province had an average of 23 cases per day.

The province has 1,164 active cases as of September 4 but no severe or critical patients.

As of September 8, 1,281,057 of the eligible population’s 1,461,756 had received their main round of vaccinations, representing an 87.64 percent rate for the province.

In addition, 14,259 people received their second booster injection after receiving their initial booster dosage of 259,113.

Defensor said that after more than two years of the epidemic, the public is aware of when to take additional precautions.

“Let us make the adjustment towards a new normal. We are there, we are in the new normal. We should also reap the benefits of the vaccination,” he added.

The order further stated that the use of well-fitted face masks is still required indoors, whether in private or public establishments, including public transportation by land, air, or sea, with the exception of when eating and drinking, playing team and individual sports in locations where ventilation standards can be maintained, and engaging in outdoor sports or activities where a reasonable physical distance can be maintained.