Baguio OKs voluntary use of face masks in outdoor settings

The Baguio City government has allowed the voluntary use of face masks in outdoor settings following an order issued by Malacañang. 

Mayor Benjamin Magalong issued Executive Order 107-22 on Monday, adhering to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order 03-2022, "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 relative to the COVID-19 pandemic."

"I welcome these new developments and in fact had prepared instructions ahead of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) recommendations to the President. It is high time that we progress forward with the revival of those activities and projects that were stalled during the worst days of the pandemic, but we shall do so with caution," Magalong said.

"The public, especially our immunocompromised constituents, is strongly urged to continue wearing their face masks even in outdoor areas."

The wearing of face masks will be voluntary only in open spaces and in non-crowded outdoor areas with adequate ventilation in the city.

"However, senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals, and unvaccinated or partially vaccinated persons are strongly urged to continue wearing face masks," the order read.

The mandatory wearing of face masks will still be implemented in indoor public and private establishments; crowded outdoor settings; and on public transportation.

"The recommendations of the IATF-EID, and the Department of Health, relative to the removal face masks while eating, drinking, engaging in strenuous activity, or while conducting particular work or industry is likewise reiterated," it said. 

The minimum public health standards will still be enforced, including frequent hand washing, cough etiquette, avoidance of unnecessary close contact, and the implementation of adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces.

According to the local government, Magalong had requested an amendment to its face mask ordinance to conform with the IATF's recommendation given Baguio's steady downtrend of cases, the relatively high vaccination rate for both primary and booster doses, and the community’s high compliance with the minimum public health standards.

On Monday, the city council urged Magalong to issue the directive on voluntary face mask use outdoors. —VBL, GMA News