By Gabriela Baron
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued on Monday, Sept. 12, Executive Order (EO) No. 3, allowing voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings.
Optional wearing of face masks in open spaces or non-crowded areas with good ventilation will also be allowed.
However, senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals are still encouraged to wear their masks.
Meanwhile, the public is still required to wear face masks in indoor or public establishments including in public transportation by land, air, or sea.
Wearing of face masks is also urged in outdoor settings “where physical distancing cannot be maintained.”
“The minimum public health standards (MPHS) intended to effectively prevent and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the country shall continue to be implemented with the principles of shared accountability, evidence-based decision-making, socioeconomic equity, and rights-based approach,” the EO read.
Marcos also directed the Department of Health to update the MPHS guidelines in line with the EO, including the liberalization of indoor masks requirements.
The EO will take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette.
