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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider It's official: Use of face masks indoors and outdoors now voluntary

It's official: Use of face masks indoors and outdoors now voluntary

Published Oct 28, 2022 06:16 pm

After more than two years, wearing face masks is now voluntary in indoor and outdoor settings except in medical facilities and public transportation.

A passenger sits inside a tricycle covered with a reminder to wear a mask. (Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

This after Malacañang released Executive Order (EO) No. 7 on the new Covid-19 protocol on Friday, October 28.

Based on the EO signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday, face masks are now voluntary indoors and outdoors despite the rising number of Covid-19 cases and the emergence of new variants.

However, it shall remain mandatory in the following settings:

  • Healthcare facilities
  • Medical transport vehicles
  • Public transportation

Meanwhile, the following are still encouraged to wear their masks:

  • Elderly
  • Individuals with comorbidities
  • Immunocompromised individuals
  • Pregnant women
  • Unvaccinated individuals
  • Symptomatic individuals

Despite this, the Palace still encourages the public to comply with the minimum public health standards (MPHS) "with the principles of shared accountability, evidence-based decision-making, socioeconomic equity, and rights-based approach."

The Department of Health (DOH) is directed to update the MPHS continuously.

"The general public is hereby enjoined to exercise diligence in carrying out health protocols, such as the practice of good hygiene, frequent handwashing, observance of physical distancing, and maintenance of good ventilation, especially in indoor settings," the EO read.

All local government units (LGUs) must regularly report their vaccination status to the DOH.

In making the move official, Malacañang cited the number of fully vaccinated individuals and the number of areas placed under Alert Level 1.

As of October 26, 2022, around 73.5 million individuals are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, 88 provinces and 696 component cities and municipalities are under Alert Level 1.

The government made the wearing of face masks outdoors voluntary last month.

The private sector has also proposed lifting the country's distancing mandate.

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