In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. made the wearing of face masks indoors and outdoors optional on Friday.

The directive was issued under Executive Order No. 7, and it is the first time since March 2020 that the public has been given the option to wear face masks or other protective clothing indoors.

Three days earlier, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco announced that Marcos would relax COVID-19 protocols requiring the use of face masks.

On September 12, Marcos issued EO No. 3, allowing the optional use of face masks in outdoor settings.