Philippine Ministry of Health reminds: masks still need to be worn in public transportation and health facilities

On October 27, local time, the Philippine Ministry of Health (DOH) stated that although the Marcos government decided to change the indoor mask order to voluntary, masks are still required in public transportation and sanitation facilities.

The Ministry of Health said: "According to previous meetings of the inter-agency epidemic prevention working group, the wearing of masks in indoor environments is optional or voluntary, except in specific environments. These environments include medical facilities, including but not limited to clinics, hospitals, laboratories, nursing homes, dialysis clinics, medical transportation and public transportation."

On October 25, the Philippine Ministry of Tourism (DOT) Minister Garcia Frasco (Christina Garcia Frasco) stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.) will issue an executive order in the near future. To change the indoor mask order to be voluntary rather than the current mandatory.

Flasco said that Filipinos with comorbidities, elderly people and not yet vaccinated against the new crown will still be "strongly encouraged" to wear masks.

With the mask order relaxed, the Ministry of Health also warned that new crown cases could surge in the coming months. It is expected that the country may increase 2500 to 18,000 cases per day.

The Ministry of Health has constantly reminded the public to vaccinate against the new crown to enhance immunity.