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Voluntary wearing of face masks in classrooms 'aligned' with masking policy–DOH

Philippines | National

Voluntary wearing of face masks in classrooms 'aligned' with masking policy–DOH

By Analou de Vera

(Maskmedicare/ Unsplash)

The Department of Health (DOH) backed the decision of the Department of Education (DepEd) to make wearing of face masks in classrooms optional.

The DOH said that it is aligned with the national government’s policy on mask wearing.

“The DOH defers policy decisions to the DepEd with regard to the well being and safety of its students,” the state health agency said in a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

“Should they pursue this, the optional use of face masks in schools is aligned with the Office of the President's Executive Order Nos. 3 and 7 which allows the optional use of face masks both indoors and outdoors for certain health settings,” it added.

Still, the DOH emphasized the importance of having multiple layers of protection against the Covid-19 virus.

“The DOH would like to reiterate that proper assessment of when to wear or not to wear masks and the right implementation and practice of ensuring our layers of protection (e.g. mask wearing, sanitation, distancing, vaccination, and ensuring good ventilation) are keys to help in the prevention of virus transmission,” the DOH said.

On Tuesday, Nov. 1, DepEd said that teachers and students may now choose to wear face masks or not in classrooms, following the latest masking rule issued by the Malacanang.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed EO No. 7 last Oct. 28, stating that the use of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings shall be voluntary.

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Department of Health (DOH)

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