DOH: No return of mandatory face mask policy in Metro Manila

The Department of Health (DOH) denied a circulating report on social media that the mandatory wearing of face masks is once again being implemented in Metro Manila. In an advisory, the DOH said that the circulating report claiming that “face mask should be worn at all times” in Metro Manila is “false.” “The Department of Health (DOH) continues to remind the public to be mindful of the information we share and source information from reputable sources,” the DOH said on Wednesday, April 26. “At present, Metro Manila is still under Alert Level 1, which means restrictions remain to be in status quo,” it added. Based on the current policy, wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings is voluntary except in healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles, and public transportation. This false report on social media circulated following the announcement of the latest resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Alert Level, wherein 26 areas were under Alert Level 2, while Metro Manila is still under Alert Level 1. Meanwhile, the DOH said local government units (LGUs) may implement health measures in their respective areas. “Local government units have the jurisdiction to require certain health protocols in their communities through a local ordinance,” the DOH said.