Pres. Marcos approves voluntary use of face masks outdoors
An executive order (EO) authorizing the voluntary use of face masks in outdoor settings, notably in wide spaces and unpopulated outdoor regions with sufficient ventilation, has been granted by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Naglabas po tayo today ng Executive Order No. 3 (We have released EO No. 3) allowing voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings and reiterating the continued implementation of minimum public health standards during the state of public health emergency relating to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles announced in a Palace press briefing.
Cruz-Angeles specified that the the executive order will be effective immediately. She added, “This order shall take effect immediately upon its publication in the OG [Official Gazette] or newspaper of general circulation. Nasa OG na po siya (It has been published in the OG).”
The EO still highly encourages the use of face masks for elderly people, sick people, and people who have not finished their initial Covid-19 vaccine series.
Physical separation and other minimum public health standards (MPHS) will continue to be severely enforced, according to Cruz-Angeles.
“The voluntary wearing of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation is hereby allowed provided that not fully vaccinated individuals, senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals are highly encouraged to wear their masks and physical distancing will be observed at all times,” she added.
Face masks must still be worn in indoor, private, and public settings, on public transit by land, air, or sea, and in outdoor settings where physical distance cannot be maintained, according to the EO.
“Tuloy pa rin po ang other (We will continue adhering to other) minimum public health standards intended to effectively prevent and minimize the spread of Covid-19 in the country. It shall continue to be implemented consistent with the principles of shared accountability, evidence-based decision making, socio economic equity and rights-based approach,” Cruz-Angeles said.
She said the EO also directs the Department of Health (DOH) to update the MPHS guidelines.
