President Ferdinand Marcos will make the use of face masks in indoor settings voluntary “with few exceptions,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Tuesday, October 25.
Marcos approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to issue an executive order allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in indoor places.
“As a result of the Cabinet meeting this morning, it was agreed that the president will be issuing an executive order, per the IATF recommendation, to make indoor mask wearing also voluntary all over the Philippines, with few exceptions,” said Frasco.
Frasco said the use of face masks will still be required in public transportation, medical transportation and medical facilities.
Unvaccinated individuals, people with comorbidities, and senior citizens are still “highly encouraged” to wear face masks.
“But generally, the direction of the Marcos administration is to lift the remainder of travel restrictions into the Philippines, and that includes easing of our mask mandates,” said Frasco.
In September, Marcos signed an executive order, allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings, particularly in open spaces and non-crowded areas with good ventilation.
The order, however, still requires the use of face masks, 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.
Frasco did not mention when Marcos will sign the new executive allowing the voluntary use of face masks in indoor settings.
