Concepcion: Eased face mask rules to help attract more tourists to Philippines

In this July 11, 2022 photo, Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion talks to Rep. Sandro Marcos (Ilocos Norte) during a Go Negosyo gathering for leaders and representatives of top digital platforms at a bar in BGC, Taguig City.

The STAR / Miguel De Guzman, file

MANILA, Philippines — Lifting the requirement to wear face masks outdoors will help boost tourism and highlight friendly Filipino smiles, businessman and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said even as many, including the Department of Health, have raised concerns over the move.

The Philippines moved to laxer mask rules after Cebu City issued an executive order in late August making face masks optional outdoors. The DOH said then that it was not yet time to lift the mask mandate but the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases later voted to recommend relaxing the rules, which President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. agreed to this week.

"I know that many feel it is not the right time but when will be the right time? There could be a worse variant, so let us prepare but let's not overcompensate with restrictions that may no longer be practical," Concepcion, a member of the president's Private Sector Advisory Council, said in a statement to media.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/09/15/2209880/concepcion-eased-face-mask-rules-help-attract-more-tourists-philippines