Philippines to abolish mandatory wearing of masks outdoors

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr approved a proposal to end mandatory mask wearing outdoors nationwide — two years after it was in place at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, senior officials said. After a lot.

The Philippines and Myanmar are the last countries in Southeast Asia to still require mandatory wearing of masks outdoors, Interior Secretary Benhu Abalos said, adding that changes to the country’s mask policy will take effect after Mr. Marcos Jr. issues an executive order.

He said a study showed that while people continued to take precautions, the lifting of mandatory requirements in other countries did not lead to a surge in infections.

Mr. Abalos called for people to maintain distance and wash their hands, and urged the elderly and those with other medical conditions to continue to wear masks outdoors.

A government agency dealing with the pandemic will assess whether the mandatory indoor mask wearing in public spaces can be lifted by the end of the year, which could significantly increase acceptance of masks, senior health official Rosario Vergeire said. number of people. Coronavirus booster.

The government’s move comes after Cebu City Center Mayor Michael Lamar announced the voluntary wearing of masks outdoors during a trial period that ends at the end of the year.

In Southeast Asia’s worst-hit country from the coronavirus outbreak, the Philippines has imposed one of the world’s longest lockdowns, leading to the worst recession in decades and exacerbating poverty, hunger and unemployment.