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DepEd releases order on optional face mask use in schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday released Department Order 48 which makes the wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor spaces within school premises optional.

The Department Order amends DepEd Order No. 39 series of 2022 in line with the implementation of Executive Order No. 7 released by Malacañang last October 28, making the wearing of face masks indoors and outdoors optional amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last Tuesday, the DepEd said students and teachers attending face-to-face classes may remove their face masks in classrooms as they will abide by the existing national policy on face mask use.

Since November 2, all public schools are mandated to implement full face-to-face classes, except for those granted exceptions.

Private schools, on the other hand, may continue holding either five-day face-to-face classes, a blended learning modality, or full-distance learning for the rest of the academic year. —Hana Bordey/KBK, GMA Integrated News