President Bongbong Marcos has signed EO 3 allowing the voluntary use of face mask in outdoor settings.
PRESIDENT BONGBONG MARCOS — The President has signed Executive Order No. 3 allowing the voluntary use of face mask in outdoor settings in the country.
On Monday, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles announced at a press briefing that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed the EO 3 allowing the voluntary wearing of face mask in outdoor setting and reiterating the continued implementation of minimum public health standards.
According to Cruz-Angeles, those who are immunocompromised, senior citizens, or not yet fully vaccinated are “highly encouraged” to wear their face mask.
EO 3 stated that the voluntary use of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation is allowed provided that senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals, and those who are not fully vaccinated are “highly encouraged” to wear their face masks and physical distancing will also be observed at all times.
Also, the said EO stated that face masks should still be worn in “indoor, private or public establishments” — including in public transportation by land, air, or sea — and in outdoor settings wherein physical distancing can’t be maintained.
The Press Secretary said that other minimum public health standards, which aimed to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease in the Philippines, shall still be observed with the principles of shared accountability, socio-economic equity, evidence-based decision making, and rights-based approach.
Cruz-Angeles also said that the Department of Health (DOH) has been ordered to update the minimum public health standards guidelines amidst the issuance of EO 3. She added that the said EO is effective “immediately”.
“This order shall take effect immediately upon its publication in the OG (Official Gazette) or newspaper of general circulations,” Cruz-Angeles said.
READ ALSO: DOH Says Commuters Must Keep Wearing Face Mask While Waiting In Line For Public Transport
Cruz-Angeles was asked what made President Marcos decide on the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings. She mentioned that the Philippines is already 6% away from the wall of immunity.
Meanwhile, the Press Secretary said that the local government units (LGUs) would play a key role in the said EO.
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