The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Sunday announced that the wearing of face masks in public transports across the country are no longer required after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lifted the COVID-19 state of public health emergency.
The Department of Health also earlier said the presidential proclamation rescinds the mask requirement in public transports.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said physical distancing protocols in public transportation are also lifted and passenger vehicles may now proceed to operate at full capacity.
“This new development is a significant step towards normalizing public transportation and supporting economic recovery,” Bautista said.
“While public safety remains a top priority, the removal of protocols aims to facilitate the commuters’ convenience, contribute to the revival of the transportation industry, and help stimulate economic activity,” he added.
Despite the removal of existing COVID-19 protocols, Secretary Bautista gave assurance that frequent sanitization of public transports will continue to prevent potential health risks.
