By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Provincial Government of Cebu has signed an executive order easing the mandatory use of face masks against COVID-19 in outdoor settings despite the province’s Alert Level 2 classification.
Under Executive Order (EO) No. 16 titled “Rationalizing the Wearing of Face Masks Within Cebu,” the wearing of face masks “shall be required only in closed and/or air conditioned spaces,” and for those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, or runny nose.
“On the other hand, the use of face masks shall be optional in well-ventilated and open spaces,” the EO read.
Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia still encouraged the citizens of Cebu to continue wearing face masks, especially in “crowded outdoor areas.” The new directive is effective upon its issuance.
The EO noted that some countries, such as Singapore, had already ordered that “wearing of masks and other personal protective equipment be optional in outdoor settings due to the global improvement of the COVID-19 situation.”
DOH: COVID-19 virus ‘still present’
The Department of Health (DOH) said in a response to reporters on Thursday afternoon, June 9, that minimum public health standards which include mask-wearing “have helped keep our COVID-19 case counts low despite the detection of new subvariants.”
“Scientific evidence supports the use of best fitting face masks in reducing the transmission not only of COVID-19, but also other infectious and respiratory diseases including Monkeypox, should it reach our country,” it stated.
“Current IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force] protocols allow only for specific instances when masks can be taken off, such as when eating or during certain well-ventilated sports and activities,” it added.
The health department reminded the public about the current presence of COVID-19 and the prevailing pandemic, saying that transmission remains possible, especially with vulnerable populations.
Aside from vaccination, the DOH still advises the use of masks, isolation when sick, and good ventilation. – ag
