Voluntary use of face masks in outdoor low-risk settings now allowed

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 3 series of 2022 on Monday, allowing the voluntary wearing of masks outdoors in the country.

In line with this order, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong also issued Executive Order No. 107-22, conforming with the national EO, hereby giving the optional mask wearing a go in the city.

In a post made by the City Public Information Office on Tuesday, the local chief executive stated that COVID-19 testing sites and the Triage Unit at the Baguio Convention Center shall remain operational and available. Mayor Magalong also mentioned the active communication with the Department of Health to make vaccination sites available and accessible in various areas of the city.

Places where the wearing of face masks is optional

As per the order, the wearing of face masks will be voluntary only inopen spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with adequate ventilation in the city.

The following are highly encouraged to wear their masks:

• not fully-vaccinated individuals
• senior citizens
• immunocompromised individuals

Face masks shall continue to be worn in the following areas:

As per the EO, face masks shall continue to be worn in:

• indoor private and public establishments
• public transportation by land, air, or sea
• outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained

While face masks are now optional in low-risk outdoor areas, Mayor Magalong strongly urges the Baguio public, especially immunocompromised individuals, to continue wearing face masks even in outdoor areas.

Effectivity

EO No. 3-2022 shall take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

SOURCE: Office of the Press Secretary