Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has issued an Executive Order (EO) on voluntary wearing of face masks in an outdoor setting.
EO No. 43, Series of 2022, known as “An Order Adopting Presidential Executive Order No. 03 Allowing The Voluntary Wearing Of Face Masks In Outdoor Settings And Reiterating The Continued Implementation Of The Minimum Public Health Standards In Davao City During The State Of Public Health Emergency Relative To The Covid-19 Pandemic,” which took effect on September 21, 2022.
The EO allows the voluntary wearing of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation, provided that non-fully-vaccinated individuals, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals are highly encouraged to wear their masks, and physical distancing will be observed at all times.
The new EO cited Davao City Ordinance No. 0307-20, Series of 2020, requiring the mandatory wearing of face masks at all times in public places during the community quarantine and/or until after the State of Public Health Emergency is lifted, duly amended thereafter by City Ordinance No. 0417-20 Series of 2020.
The EO also emphasized that MPHS, intended to effectively prevent and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the city, shall be mandatory in Davao City under City Ordinance No. 0307-20 Series of 2020. The Davao City Police Office, Task Force Davao, City Health Office, as well as the barangay officials, other law enforcers, and designated city officials shall continue to ensure the mandatory wearing of face masks in said areas.
The said EO adopted Executive Order No. 03 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued on September 12, 2022, which provides the guidelines allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings and reiterates the continued implementation of the minimum public health standards during the state of Public Health Emergency relative to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Marcos issued the order following the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to make the wearing of face masks outdoors optional.
Meanwhile, Dr. Michelle Schlosser, the spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, earlier cautioned Dabawenyos amid the voluntary wearing of face mask.
She added that the decision to voluntarily wear face mask and protect themselves is up to the Dabawenyos.,
On the other hand, Duterte’s EO 43 cited Presidential Proclamation No. 57, series of 2022, of President Marcos dated September 12, 2022, extending the State of Calamity in the country until December 31, 2022.
