This was the content of Executive Order No. 22-45 Series of 2022 signed by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Friday, September 9, 2022, but was released to the media Sunbd, September 11, regarding the use of face masks outdoors and in open spaces in the province.
In the same order, Lacson reiterated that the use of face masks would only be required in indoor spaces such as shopping malls, as well as hospitals and other medical facilities.
He issued the order after Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire announced during the Palace press briefing on September 7, 2022, that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease (ATF) has recommended the optional facemask use outdoors.
Although he has not released an official order, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reportedly verbally agreed to the proposal as the country transitions to the “new normal.”
On March 16, 2020, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Proclamation No 929 declaring a State of Calamity throughout the Philippines due to coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, also known as the Local Government Code, provides that within their respective territorial jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and promote health and safety, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.
As a disease prevention and control measure in limiting the spread of coronavirus, the Provincial Health Office recommended the use of face masks to be mandatory when going out in public in Negros Occidental on March 31, 2020.
DOH-Western Visayas Director Dr. Adriano Suba-an earlier said that the use of face masks, especially indoors and at mass gatherings outdoors despite an impending order from the national government of making their use optional, is still a must.
Suba-an also clarified that although the wearing of face mask outdoors will become optional there should still be a little cautious for senior citizens and those with comorbidities.
“It’s very clear that from the beginning that health authorities would like to protect the senior citizens and persons with comorbidities against the disease,” he added.