While the optional wearing of face masks outdoors has been allowed by the government, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reminded the higher education community that using face masks will continue indoors and in crowded areas for the tertiary level.

CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III, in a memorandum dated Sept. 12, reminded presidents, heads, and officers-in-charge of Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) of the compliance with recent government directive on the use of face masks amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Face masks shall continue to be worn in indoor private or public establishments, including in public transportation by land, air, or sea and in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained,” CHED said.

This is in line with Executive Order No. 3 issued by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos which allowed the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings and reiterated the continued implementation of minimum public health standards during the state of public health emergency relative to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the updated guidelines on the implementation of face-to-face classes to prevent and mitigate Covid-19 infections in higher education as contained in CHED Memorandum Order No. 9 series of 2022, the commission said “well-fitted masks shall be worn properly” except when eating or drinking in designated areas; participating in team and individual sports in venues where ventilation standards can be maintained and practicing outdoor activities where physical distancing can be maintained.

However, CHED noted that “in case of any updates and changes in the guidelines for wearing of face masks by the national government, such shall be observed by the HEI.”

Under EO No. 3, CHED reminded the higher education community that the voluntary wearing of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation is allowed provided that not fully-vaccinated individuals, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals are “highly encouraged to wear their masks, and physical distancing will be observed at all times.”