President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has made the use of face masks "optional" for both indoors and outdoors across the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The directive was provided under Executive Order No. 7, which also retains the previous policy signed by Marcos on the voluntary use of face mask outdoors.
"A policy of voluntary wearing of face masks in both indoor and outdoor settings is a step towards normalization and a welcome development that would encourage activities and boost efforts toward the full reopening of the economy," the EO read.
However, it still recommends the wearing of face masks for the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, as well as unvaccinated individuals and people with COVID-19 symptoms.
The order also stated that face masks must still be worn inside healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles, and public transportation.
"As a result of continued immunization, countries around the world have been instituting measures such as reopening of international borders, and relaxation of health and safety protocols and requirements, resulting in immediate positive impact to their economies," the EO read.
Despite the eased policy, President Marcos reminded public to still follow and observe minimum health standards.
The EO also encourages local government units which are at low-risk classification, but at Alert Level 2 status, to meet vaccination targets to warrant de-escalation.
The order three days after Tourism chief Christina Frasco announced that Marcos was set to relax COVID-19 protocols involving the wearing of face masks.
