Clarification on the “voluntary wearing of face masks” as stipulated in EO #3 (Malacañang Palace, 12 September 2022) (University Physician memo)

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 relaxes the previous mandate and allows optional wearing of masks ONLY in open spaces, outdoor areas, and non-crowded areas with good ventilation.
•     The EO highly encourages those who are senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals, 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 promote a working and learning environment that sustains the overall wellness of the community. We maintain that
- everyone continues to properly wear masks in enclosed spaces (classrooms, lecture halls, study halls, laboratories, offices, conference rooms, and the like)
- everyone refrains from talking closely (less than 1 meter) to other diners while eating
- everyone should eat only in designated areas and masks should be put back on after eating before engaging in longer conversations
- foyers, lobbies, corridors, hallways and connecting walkways between buildings, and other areas of convergence where crowding happens naturally, are areas where masks are also mandated to be worn.

We enjoin the community to be mindful of the health and safety of everyone even as we uphold individual rights and respect personal preferences.