THE city government of Davao officially adopts Presidential Executive Order No. 03 through Executive Order (EO) No. 43-2022 which allows the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings.
Although the policy was already implemented on September 12, it was not until September 21 that the city government issued the EO “An order adopting Presidential Executive Order No. 03 allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings and reiterating the continued implementation of the minimum public health standards in Davao City during the state of public health emergency relative to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The EO highlights that the optional wearing of face masks is only applicable in open spaces and non-crowded areas with good ventilation thus face masks in indoor private or public establishments including public transportation by land, air, or sea are still required.
“Not fully-vaccinated individuals, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals are highly encouraged to wear their masks,” Section 2 of the EO states.
Aside from the optional wearing of face masks, the said EO also reiterates the implementation of the minimum public health standards (MPHS) since Davao City is also still under a state of public health emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The mandatory wearing of face masks in all other venues will still be enforced by the Davao City Police Office, Task Force Davao, City Health Office, barangay officials, and other law enforcers guided by City Ordinance No. 0307 Series of 2020.
Those who violate may be subject to appropriate sanctions including a fine of P500 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 or imprisonment for one month for the third offense. ICM