More than three years since the first major outbreak started.
(JULY 22, 2023) President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Saturday signed Proclamation no. 297.
The said proclamation formally lifted the public health emergency status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines.
The said status has been in place since March 2020 or during the onset of the said public health crisis.
With the directive, the Emergency Use Authorization issued by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA will only remain valid until one year after the EO or on July 22, 2024.
This is to allow the utilization of the remaining COVID-19 vaccines still in storage.
Mask no longer required in public transportation in PH
With the lifting of the ’emergency’ status of COVID-19 in the Philippines yesterday, commuters using public transportation are no longer required to wear facemasks inside trains, buses, jeepneys, etc.