WEARING face masks in outdoor areas of the University is now optional, the Office of the Secretary General announced following the national government’s new outdoor mask-wearing policy.
The University made the move a day after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 3 on Sept. 12, which made voluntary the wearing of face masks in open spaces, outdoor areas, and crowded spaces with good ventilation.
In a memorandum, UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. said the voluntary wearing of face mask policy applies only in non-crowded outdoor venues on campus where there is good ventilation and physical distancing.
Thomasians and other campus visitors are still required to wear face masks indoors.
Unvaccinated individuals and those with co-morbidities are “strongly advised” to continue wearing their masks at all times on campus.
“Each of us has a shared responsibility to keep ourselves and others safe from infection. We strongly encourage the Thomasian community to constantly evaluate the health risks in every action and exercise judgment on the most appropriate mitigating measures to take,” Coronel said.
Earlier, the University removed the requirement for students participating in face-to-face classes to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and secure medical insurance.
