MANILA (UPDATE) — The Department of Education said Tuesday it would follow a recent Malacañang order on the voluntary use of face masks in indoor spaces, effectively allowing students to remove their masks while attending in-person classes.

"We will follow [Executive Order No.] 7 and issue an amendatory [department order]," DepEd Spokesman Michael Poa said in response to a query on masking in classrooms.

"Schools may immediately implement optional masking indoors," he added.

Last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the voluntary use of face masks in both indoor and outdoor areas despite the continued threat of COVID-19.

• Marcos Jr. signs EO allowing voluntary use of face masks indoors, outdoors

Under the order, the use of face masks will remain mandatory in health care facilities, medical transport vehicles and all forms of public transportation.

Mask wearing is also encouraged for the elderly, individuals with comorbidities, immunocompromised persons, pregnant women, unvaccinated individuals, and those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

The DepEd earlier ordered all public schools to return to full in-person classes from Wednesday, Nov. 2, following over 2 years of distance and blended learning due to the pandemic.

But the agency will allow a few exemptions, including schools that were recently affected by disasters.

"Exemptions are [also] within the authority of the regional directors," Poa told reporters.

• DepEd allows private schools to continue distance, blended learning beyond Nov. 2

The DepEd has refused to release data on COVID-19 cases in schools, leaving it up to local governments to publicize such figures.

• DepEd urged to release data on COVID-19 infections in schools

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