The City Government of Davao has allowed the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor setting, effectively adopting the Executive Order earlier issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte issued Executive Order (EO) No. 43, Series of 2022, known as “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,” effective Wednesday, September 21.
EO 43 cited Presidential Proclamation No. 57, series of 2022, of President Marcos dated September 12, 2022, extending the State of Calamity in the country until December 31, 2022.
The new EO also cited Davao City Ordinance No. 0307-20, Series of 2020, requiring the mandatory wearing of face masks at all times in public places during the community quarantine and/or until after the State of Public Health Emergency is lifted, duly amended thereafter by City Ordinance
No. 0417-20 Series of 2020;
As of September 16, 2022, Davao City has achieved herd immunity in the number of individuals with the two-dose primary series, with 1.3 million Dabawenyos or 100 percent of the target population already fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Following the decrease in the number of cases reported and the active vaccination rollout in the city, the City Government of Davao has eased
restrictions against COVID-19, except for the mandatory wearing of face masks,” EO 43 stipulated.
As the President issued Executive Order No. 03, dated September 12, 2022, which provides the guidelines allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings and reiterates the continued implementation of the minimum public health standards during the state of Public Health Emergency relative to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Davao City COVID-19 Task Force issued Resolution No. 20 adopting the national guidelines during its meeting held on September 19, 2022.
EO 43 allows the voluntary wearing of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation, provided that non fully-vaccinated individuals, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals are highly encouraged to wear their masks, and physical distancing will be observed at all times.
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.
The MPHS, intended to effectively prevent and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the city, shall be mandatory in Davao City under City Ordinance No. 0307-20 Series of 2020. The Davao City Police Office, Task Force Davao, City Health Office, as well as the barangay officials, other law enforcers, and designated city officials shall continue to ensure the mandatory wearing of face masks in said areas.
Dr. Michelle Schlosser, the spokesperson of the Davao City COVID-19 Task Force, earlier cautioned Dabawenyos amid the voluntary face mask.
“With the voluntary wearing of face masks, kita tanan naa’y responsibilidad towards ourselves and each other. Kung open kaayo ang parameters ug dili controlled ang area, please, you know what is risky or not (If the parameters are open and not controlled, please, know what is risky or not),” she said.
According to her, Dabawenyos will go home at the end of the day, and if they fail to protect themselves outside by not wearing face masks, then they might be bringing the COVID-19 virus with them. There is a higher risk of infecting their children, who are not yet eligible for vaccination, senior parents who belong to the vulnerable sector, or immunocompromised siblings and relatives at home.
Schlosser added, “Naa sa katawhan ang desisyon to voluntarily wear a face mask and protect themselves. Hangyo namo please be very responsible and be accountable for your action. At the end of the day, dili lang ikaw ang apektado, apektado imong loved ones, ug ang imong komunidad kung asa ka nagpuyo (It is up to the people to voluntarily wear face masks and protect themselves. We ask you to please be very responsible and accountable for your action. At the end of the day, you are not the only ones affected, your loved ones are affected, and the community where you live).”
She also called on Dabawenyos to get themselves vaccinated and boostered for added protection as soon as they can amid the more relaxed COVID-19 protocols.
Check out the full provisions of EO 43, Series of 2022 ? https://dcstaging.davaocity.gov.ph/transparency/executive-orders/2022-2/. CIO
