In Labor Advisory 22, signed by Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, the wearing of face masks of all workers in all workplaces except in healthcare facilities, medical transport vehicles and public transportation is no longer mandatory.
But it said the employers may implement a policy requiring the wearing of face masks, taking into account the hazards and risks of the workplace environment, industry requirements and incidence of other communicable diseases.
It noted that the elderly, immunocompromised, unvaccinated, and symptomatic individuals, individuals with comorbidities, and pregnant women are highly encouraged to wear face masks in their respective workplaces.
The order is in pursuant to the Executive Order (EO) 7 of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. allowing the non-mandatory wearing of face masks indoors. (SunStar Philippines)