MANILA, Philippines — The Malacañang Palace announced on Monday that people are no longer required to wear face masks in “open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation.”
According to the Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Malacañang has issued Executive Order No. 3, which allows the voluntary use of face masks outside so long as the places are not overcrowded and have sufficient ventilation.
“Naglabas tayo today ng EO No. 3 allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings and reiterating the continued implementation of minimum public health standards during the state of public health emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles
(We issued today EO No. 3 allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings and maintaining the enforcement of minimum public health standards during the state of a public health emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic. )
Meanwhile, Angeles has stated that people who are not completely vaccinated against COVID-19, including the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, should continue using face masks. She added that the order will take effect immediately.
The palace, however, further announced that the state of emergency imposed on the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been maintained “possibly for three months.”
Cruz-Angeles said the extra time is only for indemnification, emergency procurement, and special risk allowance for health care workers.
“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, special risk allowance for healthcare workers,” she said.
“We will transition out of the state of calamity after further review.”