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Manila Bulletin

Philippines

Cebu eyes further easing of face mask rule to include closed spaces

Philippines

Cebu eyes further easing of face mask rule to include closed spaces

By Calvin Cordova

CEBU CITY – The provincial government of Cebu is “closely studying” the possibility of further easing its face mask policy.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said the province may soon duplicate what is being done in Singapore where the wearing of face mask is optional in both open and enclosed areas.

Currently, the wearing of face mask in Cebu is only optional in open spaces.

Garcia issued last June an Executive Order (EO) that eased the province’s face mask policy.

Her order created a stir after it was opposed by several national government officials.

The EO also resulted into the relief of the chief of the Cebu Provincial Police Office for supporting the policy, contrary to the stand of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Garcia stood by her EO and is now looking to ease the face mask policy even more.

"I am planning to take into consideration the very sane, sensible, logical, and pro-people face mask policy of Singapore," Garcia said in a press conference.

She pointed out that in Singapore, face mask is only mandatory in public transport and medical facilities.

Garcia said she would consult with the regional office of the Departments of Health, Trade and Industry, and Tourism and other sectors to discuss the matter.

"In outdoor setting, the use of face mask shall be optional and shall only be required in air-conditioned places. Singapore stated even in indoors whether air-conditioned or not. They are only requiring the use of face mask in public transportation and inside hospital facilities. So we are now closely studying this."

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