MMDA urges field personnel to still wear face masks outdoors

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday encouraged its field personnel to keep wearing face masks outdoors even though President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has already made it voluntary.

“I support President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. on [the] optional wearing of face masks outdoors, but with regards to MMDA traffic enforcers on the field, I encourage them to still wear masks as [a] prevention [measure] from pollution emitted by vehicles along major thoroughfares,” Acting MMDA Chairperson Carlo Dimayuga III said in a statement. 

“Traffic enforcers and street sweepers face the risk of acquiring respiratory illnesses in the performance of their duties. To protect their well-being, we highly encourage them to continue wearing face masks because their health is of [the] utmost priority [to] the agency,” he added. 

The MMDA also drafted a memorandum urging all its employees to continue adhering to the minimum health protocols.

On Monday, Malacañang announced that Marcos issued Executive Order No. 3, which allows the voluntary wearing of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation.

The order added that face masks should still 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." —with Sundy Locus/VBL, GMA News