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MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday encouraged its field personnel to continue wearing face masks outdoors even after easing mask restrictions against COVID-19.
MMDA acting chairman Carlo Dimayuga III said this in a statement, explaining that face masks will not only serve as protection against COVID-19 but also from traffic-related air pollution affecting traffic enforcers and street sweepers.
“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 prevention from pollution emitted by vehicles along major thoroughfares,” Dimayuga said.
“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 utmost priority to the agency,” he added.
This came after Malacañang announced Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 3, which voluntary wearing face masks in “open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation” voluntary.
However, individuals who are yet to be fully vaccinated, along with senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals, are still “highly encouraged” to wear face masks.