By Angel Castillo

BAGUIO Mayor Benjamin Magalong has approved a resolution from the Baguio City Council making the use of face masks outdoors in the city voluntary in line with the president’s recent orders.

The city council earlier approved Resolution No. 408, Series of 2022 in support of the President’s Executive Order No. 03-2022, requesting for the city mayor to issue executive orders for the implementation of the eased mask requirements pending the amendment of Baguio’s face mask and personal protective equipment (PPE) ordinances.

Under Executive Order No. 107-22, issued by the mayor on Monday, face masks are no longer mandatory in outdoor “low-risk” settings with proper ventilation.

“The public, especially our immunocompromised constituents, are strongly urged to continue wearing their face masks even in outdoor areas. COVID-19 testing sites are still available, our Triage Unit at the Baguio Convention Center shall remain operational, and we are actively working with the Department of Health to make vaccination sites available and accessible in various areas of the city,” Magalong said.

“However, senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals, and unvaccinated or partially vaccinated persons are strongly urged to continue wearing face masks,” he added.

Under the new rules, masks are still required in indoor establishments and crowded outdoor settings such as in public transport.