Marcos OKs optional face masks outdoors

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 3 on Monday allowing voluntary use of face masks outdoors in non-crowded areas with good ventilation.

The DOH chief Maria Rosario Vergeire stated that it's not yet advisable to make indoor mask-wearing optional due to higher transmission risks indoors.

Vergeire encouraged vulnerable individuals, such as the unvaccinated and immunocompromised, to continue wearing masks both outdoors and indoors.

DILG Secretary Abalos defended the order saying it was well-calculated based on high vaccination rates and policies in other countries that did not lead to an increase in cases.

Baguio City has also adopted this new rule allowing voluntary use of face masks in outdoor settings.