The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has urged traffic enforcers and street sweepers to continue wearing face masks outdoors despite Malacanang's recent move to lift the mandatory wearing of face masks in non-crowded areas.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Sept. 14, MMDA acting chairman Carlo Dimayuga III said face masks not only protect their personnel from getting infected by the COVID-19 virus but also from air pollution.
He noted that he supports President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on his approval of the voluntary wearing of face masks but he wanted to protect the health of their employees.
“Traffic enforcers and street sweepers face the risk of acquiring respiratory illnesses in the performance of their duties. To protect their well-being, we highly encourage them to continue wearing face masks because their health is of utmost priority to the agency,” Dimayuga pointed out.
The MMDA chief said the agency has drafted a memorandum addressed to all employees urging them to strictly follow minimum health protocols.
On Monday, Sept. 12, Marcos signed Executive order no 3 which eases the mandatory wearing of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation.
Those who are vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 such as senior citizens, immunocompromised, and not fully-vaccinated individuals are still highly encouraged to wear their masks.
