Face Masks Now Voluntary Outdoors; State of Calamity Due to COVID-19 Extended

It is now optional to wear face masks outdoors in the Philippines. This was after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 3 yesterday, allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings.

As per the EO, "Voluntary wearing of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation, is hereby allowed, provided that not fully-vaccinated individuals, senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals are highly encouraged to wear their masks, and physical distancing will be observed at all times."

It stated that around 72 million individuals or 93% of the government's target population have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as of Sept. 6, whereas 18 million or 23% have received their booster doses. Moreover, 88 out of 121 provinces and cities, and 696 component cities and municipalities are already under Alert Level 1.

Face masks shall remain required indoors and in public establishments, including public transportation via land, air, and sea, as well as outdoor settings where physical distancing is not possible. Amid the relaxing of face mask measures, Marcos has yet to appoint a secretary for the Department of Health.

Marcos also extended the state of calamity due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said that the extension may "possibly" last for three months, as per a briefing via a report by the Philippine News Agency yesterday.

"The state of calamity is extended for possibly three months but only for the purpose of preserving the benefits under it such as but not limited to the indemnification, emergency procurement, [and] special risk allowance for healthcare workers," she was quoted as saying.