THE Department of Tourism-Davao Region (DOT-Davao Region) supports the order making wearing of face masks voluntary in open spaces as this would further support the tourism industry.
DOT-Davao regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan said in a press conference on Tuesday, September 13 that the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) was "carefully" studied.
However, despite the continuous relaxation of some of the health protocols and restrictions, particularly in the travel, Rabat-Tan reminded travelers that the Covid-19 pandemic is still around, and that restrictions should still be imposed especially for those with incomplete doses, and those vulnerable from the virus.
"In the same manner, we are also one with them when they say na siguro (that maybe) for those who have not completed their vaccine, and also those who have comorbidities, we also highly recommend the wearing of masks," Rabat-Tan said.
The tourism official also reminded tourists to be careful and cautious in abiding the minimum health protocols, especially when traveling to other parts of the country.
Rabat-Tan recently said the region is gradually recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic as travel restrictions had been lifted, while some tourism establishments had also reopened to cater more tourists.
While the Covid-19 vaccination remains voluntary, she, however, encouraged everyone to get themselves vaccinated, which is the key for the country to revive the tourism industry.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. issued on Monday, September 12, 2022, Executive Order (EO) No. 3, allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor setting across the country amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under EO 3, which took effect immediately, wearing of face masks is no longer mandatory in “open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation.”
But the elderly, immunocompromised individuals and those who have not yet completed their Covid-19 vaccination are “highly encouraged” to continue wearing their face masks in all public areas to ensure their protection.
Fully vaccinated individuals are those who have completed their primary series of Covid-19 vaccines.
“Face masks shall continue to be worn in indoor private or public establishments, including in public transportation by land, air, or sea and in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained,” read the EO.
It also stated that all departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the government, as well as the local government units (LGUs) are directed to render full assistance and cooperation for the effective and orderly implementation of the order. RGL