Clarification on the “voluntary wearing of face masks” as stipulated in EO #7 (Malacañang Palace, 28 October 2022) (University Physician memo)
02 Nov 2022 | Office of the University Physician
To
The University Community
From
(Sgd) Norman Dennis E Marquez MD
University Physician
Assistant Vice President for Health, Care and Well-Being
Subject
Clarification on the “voluntary wearing of face masks” as stipulated in EO #7 (Malacañang Palace, 28 October 2022)
The Office of the University Physician and Clinic team, together with the Health Services teams from the BE and HE units across the different ADMU campuses, clarify that
- The EO repeals EO #3 and allows voluntary wearing of masks in indoor and outdoor non-crowded areas with good ventilation
- The EO highly encourages those who are senior citizens, immunocompromised, pregnant, symptomatic, with comorbidities, and not fully immunized to wear masks and observe physical distancing
- The EO maintains that the minimum public health standards shall be implemented consistent with the principles of shared accountability, evidence-based decision-making, socioeconomic equity, and right-based approach.
As your primary care providers in the university, we constantly promote working and learning environments that sustain the overall well-being of the community. With supporting scientific evidence, we highly recommend, in consonance with other health professional groups, that wearing of masks is a simple, practical, and effective way to prevent transmission of Covid-19, as well as tuberculosis, influenza, and other airborne and droplet infections.
We STRONGLY ENCOURAGE everyone to continue to properly wear masks in enclosed spaces (classrooms, lecture halls, study halls, laboratories, offices, conference rooms, and the like), including in all forms of public transportation and crowded areas. As we strive for a healthier and safer community, we support efforts to increase meaningful face-to-face interactions that boost an integrated and sustainable development.
AMDG