Face masks still required in enclosed spaces but may be voluntary outdoors: DepED

While wearing face masks in enclosed spaces will remain mandatory for teachers and non-teaching personnel as well as learners in schools, the Department of Education (DepED) said that these may be taken off as long as they are in open spaces.

“Face masks are required or mandatory in enclosed spaces in schools, but are optional in open spaces,” said DepEd Spokesman Michael Poa.

This latest directive, Poa said, is stated in DepEd Order No. 39 series of 2022 or the “Health and Safety Protocols in Light of the Covid-19 Pandemic” and pursuant to Executive Order No. 3 issued by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. which allowed the voluntary use of face mask in outdoor settings.

Based on DO No. 39, DepED said that face masks shall be “mandatory for all personnel, learners, and visitors inside classrooms, laboratories, and other school rooms.”

However, face masks shall be “voluntary in open spaces, or non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation, as well as in playing sports and other physical activities.”

Open spaces and outdoor areas, DepED said, are those open spaces with or without roofing.

Since face masks are still required in enclosed spaces, DepED instructed schools to ensure the availability of face masks, especially for learners who may come to school not wearing one.

“The school may seek the assistance of the local government as needed to ensure the ample and regular supply of face masks,” DepED said.

DepED also reiterated that health and sanitation expenses are among those “clarified as allowed to be charged against the Use of Special Education Funds (SEF)” per DepEd-Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Joint Circular No. 2 series of 2020.

Likewise, DepED noted that a “face shield may be used in lieu of a face mask” for specific situations where removal of a face mask is warranted, such as activities requiring the entire face of an individual to be visible.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/23/return-of-face-shield-deped-gives-alternative-on-the-use-of-face-masks-indoors/

“During these specific activities, safe distance, adequate ventilation, and proper hygiene shall be strictly ensured at all times,” DepED stressed.