The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on Thursday, Nov. 3, the lifting of mandatory usage of face masks in workplaces.
The new rules are stipulated under Labor Advisory No. 22 s.22 or the Guidelines on the Voluntary Wearing of Face Masks in Workplaces signed by Labor Secretary Bievenido E. Laguesma on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
Laguesma said the advisory covers all workers and workplaces in the private sector, but there are some exceptions.
“The wearing of face masks in workplaces shall be voluntary, except in healthcare facilities, including but not limited to clinics, hospitals, laboratories, nursing, homes, dialysis clinics,” the advisory read.
Exemptions also cover all medical transport vehicles such as ambulance and paramedic rescue vehicles and public transportation by land, air, or sea.
Meanwhile, elderlies, immunocompromised, unvaccinated, and symptomatic individuals, together with individuals with comorbidities, and pregnant women are not also covered by the voluntary usage of face masks.
“Employees and their workers have shared responsibility to ensure safe and healthful working conditions in accordance with the provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, Republic Act No. 11058, and minimum public health standards,” the advisory added.
The advisory further stated that employers and workers may implement a policy requiring the wearing of face masks, also taking into account hazards and risks likely in the enclosed space and poor ventilation.
“Industry requirements (e.g. food safety, and incidence of other communicable diseases (e.g. flu, tuberculosis), including measures to address non-compliance thereto top the existing company policy, rules and regulations,” it added.
Laguesma said the relaxation of face mask usage in workplaces is under Executive Order No. 07 signed by President “Ferdinand Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on October 28, 2022, allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings.
President Marcos earlier noted that neighboring countries in Southeast Asia and various governments across the world have liberalized their mask mandates "with no significant increase in the number of Covid-19 cases recorded."
Records show that as of October 26, 73.5 million Filipinos had been fully vaccinated, while 20.5 million individuals had their booster shots.