NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines — The right use of face masks is required in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacanang said on Tuesday.

Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar issued a press statement reminding the public that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has not issued any directive lifting the mandatory usage of face masks.

“The mandate from the Chief Executive is clear: keep wearing face masks,” Andanar stated.

Andanar made the statement after Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia signed Executive Order (EO) 16 on June 8, making the use of face masks in well-ventilated areas and open spaces optional.

Face masks are only required to be used in close, air-conditioned areas under EO 16. Face masks are still recommended in crowded outdoor places.

Despite the fact that Cebu province is still on Alert Level 2, the local legislation was signed.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management and Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) face mask policy, which was authorized by Duterte, is more binding than Garcia’s local mandate, according to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

Guevarra’s stance was supported by Andanar, who stated that the IATF-EID regulations on the required wearing of face masks will take precedence over local government ordinances.

“We restate and support the Justice Secretary’s legal judgment that the Inter-Agency Task Force resolution on the required wearing of face masks shall prevail above executive orders issued by local government entities, including the one issued by the Cebu Provincial Government,” he added.

Andanar noted that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a standing order to guarantee that the existing policy, which requires the use of face masks in both open and closed venues, is fully implemented.

“The Department of the Interior and Local Government has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to carry out the current IATF resolution on the wearing of face masks,” he said.

The PNP will continue to “confront, detain, and arrest, if necessary,” all violators of IATF rules and minimum public health standards in Cebu province, according to DILG Secretary Eduardo Ao.

Until his term ends on June 30, Duterte repeated his opposition to the requirement of wearing face masks.

The public is nevertheless required to wear a well-fitting face mask at all times, “whether outside or in inside private businesses,” according to the existing IATF-EID requirements.

Face masks can only be removed when people are eating or drinking, playing team or individual sports in venues with enough ventilation, or participating in outdoor sports or fitness activities with sufficient physical distance.

Save/Share this story with QR CODE

---

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any specific technologies or methodologies and financial advice or endorsement of any specific products or services.

📩 Need to get in touch?

📩 Feel free to Contact NextGenDay.com for comments, suggestions, reviews, or anything else.

---

We appreciate your reading. 😊Simple Ways To Say Thanks & Support Us:
1.) ❤️GIVE A TIP. Send a small donation thru Paypal😊❤️
Your DONATION will be used to fund and maintain NEXTGENDAY.com
Subscribers in the Philippines can make donations to mobile number 0917 906 3081, thru GCash.
3.) 🛒 BUY or SIGN UP to our AFFILIATE PARTNERS.
4.) 👍 Give this news article a THUMBS UP, and Leave a Comment (at Least Five Words).

---

AFFILIATE PARTNERS

World Class Nutritional Supplements - Buy Highest Quality Products, Purest Most Healthy Ingredients, Direct to your Door! Up to 90% OFF.
Join LiveGood Today - A company created to satisfy the world's most demanding leaders and entrepreneurs, with the best compensation plan today.

---