Face masks now optional outdoors in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — Wearing of face masks is no longer required in open spaces or outdoor settings in Cebu province.

In an executive order issued on Wednesday and released yesterday, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said the wearing of face masks shall be required only in closed, air-conditioned or crowded places.

”The use of face masks shall be optional in well-ventilated and open spaces,” the EO read.

”Those who are unwell and manifest symptoms of COVID, such as fever, cough or runny nose are required to wear mask at all times whenever they leave their homes,” the EO added.

Garcia stressed the need to ”rationalize” the requirement on wearing of face masks as a necessary step toward the new normal.

She noted that in other countries such as Singapore, the wearing of face masks is optional in outdoor settings, citing the global improvement in the COVID situation.

Cebu province remains under the stricter Alert Level 2 until June 15.

On the other hand, the Department of Health (DOH) said wearing of face masks remains mandatory under the protocols issued by the national pandemic task force.

”Current IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) rules allow only for specific instances when masks can be taken off such as when eating or during certain well-ventilated sports and activities,” the DOH said in a statement.

Existing minimum public health standards against COVID still include the wearing of face mask, the DOH added.

”The COVID virus is still present and the pandemic is not yet over. People can still catch the virus,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the traditional Peñafrancia festivities in Naga City will resume this year, but with some changes, after almost two years of suspension due to the COVID pandemic.

In a circular signed by Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona, the archdiocese said it is looking forward to a solemn and meaningful celebration of the festivities of the Divino Rostro from Aug. 31 to Sept. 9 and the Our Lady of Peñafrancia from Sept. 9 to 18. – Mayen Jaymalin, Robertzon Ramirez